There are two possibilities explaining why the Friar urges
Romeo to spend one last night with Juliet in Shakespeare's play. The first is that the
Friar is acting in what he believes is a rational way. After killing Tybalt
and being banished, Romeo is hysterical and desperate. He has threatened to kill himself
several times in the Friar's presence and is beyond being comforted. He's trying to make
Romeo realize that he should count his blessings that Juliet is still alive, that he
killed Tybalt and not the other way around, and that he should be happy because the
Prince only banished him instead of sentenced him to death. The Friar wants Romeo to
realize that has so much to live for and must cherish and stay alive for the love he has
promised to Juliet. He wants Romeo to spend the night with Juliet to solidify this love
and comfort her. The Friar also has a plan. Romeo spends the night with Juliet and
leaves in the morning to go to Mantua as per his banishment. After some time has passed
and things calm down, the Friar will let friends and families know about the marriage
and ask the Prince to pardon Romeo so he can return to
Verona.
Another possible reason the Friar urges Romeo to
spend the night with Juliet before departing Verona is to save his own life and not get
into trouble. Remember, the Friar was the one that married Romeo and Juliet secretly, so
he has a major part in this union. He can't abandon his work now. He must work to try
and keep it intact so that all blame doesn't end up being heaped on him. He has a vested
interest in making sure Romeo and Juliet stay together and make their union work. The
Friar has come this far and he must see it through.
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