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What are Friar Laurence's motives and what does he love in Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet?

When Friar Laurence says goodbye to Romeo just before Romeo leaves for his exile in Mantua, Friar Laurence says he believes the day will come when they can "reconcile [Romeo and Juliet's] friends," by which he means they can end the feud between the Montagues and the Capulets (3.3.161).  Perhaps this desire to end the ancient grudge that results in so much violence, compounded with the Friar's honest desire to see these young lovers safe and happy, motivates Friar Laurence's decision to help Romeo and Juliet. Further, when Friar Laurence addresses the Capulets on the morning they find Juliet "dead," he seems to chastise them by saying, "'twas your heaven she should be advanced." He to the fact that Juliet's parents pushed her to marry the County Paris, who they saw as a very advantageous match because he is a relation of the Prince. Had Juliet's parents cared more about her happiness or ending the feud, Friar Laurence argues, none of them would be in this position. Thus, the Friar might also be motivated by a dislike of the Capulets' parenting as well.


In terms of what he loves, Friar Laurence seems to love peace. He seems to love Romeo and Juliet, as he acts in what he believes is their best interest. He does not want Romeo to be unhappy, so he devises a way for him to marry Juliet. He does not want Juliet to kill herself, so he devises a way for her to escape her betrothal to Paris and be with Romeo. Friar Laurence just wants peace between the families and for an end to violence and pain.

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