The last person to see Juliet before she stabs herself dead is Friar Laurence.
In the tragic conclusion of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, following Romeo's death in the Capulet tomb, Juliet awakens to find Friar Laurence present. He had discovered Romeo's body and was there when Juliet stirred. However, rather than remaining with her in her moment of despair, the Friar chose to leave the tomb, abandoning Juliet alone amidst the deceased. It is after his departure, left to her own devices and overwhelmed by grief, that Juliet takes her own life with Romeo's dagger.
The Final Encounter
Upon entering the tomb, Friar Laurence discovers the tragic scene of Romeo and Paris's lifeless bodies. Shortly after, Juliet awakens from her potion-induced sleep. The Friar attempts to persuade her to leave the tomb, but his pleas are in vain as Juliet refuses to abandon Romeo. Faced with the sound of approaching watchmen, Friar Laurence makes the fateful decision to flee, leaving Juliet behind.
The Sequence of Events Leading to Juliet's Death
The moments leading up to Juliet's final act are marked by escalating despair and isolation:
- Friar Laurence arrives at the Capulet tomb, discovering the bodies of Romeo and Paris.
- Juliet awakens from her profound sleep, finding Friar Laurence beside her.
- Friar Laurence, fearing discovery, urges Juliet to leave with him.
- He then departs the tomb, leaving Juliet completely alone with the bodies of Romeo and Paris.
- Overcome with grief and seeing Romeo's dagger, Juliet uses it to stab herself, dying by his side.
This sequence confirms that Friar Laurence is the final individual to witness Juliet alive before she commits suicide.
