Here are a few reasons why Friar Laurence cannot be blamed for the tragic events:
1. He acted with good intentions: Friar Laurence genuinely wanted to help Romeo and Juliet be together. He believed that their love was pure and that they deserved to be happy. His plan to marry them in secret was an attempt to circumvent the feud between their families and bring them peace.
2. He tried to prevent the tragedy: Friar Laurence tried to reason with Romeo and Juliet, urging them to be patient and not to rush into any rash actions. He warned Romeo about the dangers of letting his emotions get the better of him and advised Juliet to wait before making any decisions about her life.
3. He was not responsible for the deaths: While Friar Laurence's plan did not work out as intended, he cannot be held directly responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. It was Romeo's impulsive decision to take his own life that ultimately led to Juliet's suicide. Friar Laurence's actions, though flawed, were not the direct cause of the tragedy.
4. He showed remorse and regret: After Romeo and Juliet died, Friar Laurence expressed deep remorse for his role in the events. He acknowledged that he had made mistakes and that his intentions had not been fully realized. His genuine sorrow and regret show that he was not deliberately malicious or negligent.
In conclusion, while Friar Laurence's actions may have contributed to the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, he was not solely at fault. The complex interplay of fate, societal pressures, and individual choices ultimately led to the disastrous outcome.