Why does Friar Laurence leave Juliet alone in the tomb?

Friar Laurence leaves Juliet alone in the tomb for several reasons tied to the plot and themes of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet."

1. To Preserve Secrecy: Friar Laurence is aware of the complex and volatile situation between the feuding families, the Montagues and the Capulets. By leaving Juliet alone, he believes he can protect her and the secret plan they concocted involving the sleeping potion, which was meant to help her escape an unwanted marriage to Paris.

2. Assuming Juliet’s Strength: The Friar trusts that Juliet is strong enough to handle the situation. He believes that once Romeo arrives, they can leave together, and so he momentarily steps away to allow for their reunion.

3. Urgency of Circumstance: He is caught up in the urgency of the situation, as he learns about Romeo's banishment and the impending marriage to Paris. He may think that handling the other issues surrounding the family feud and Rome's banishment is more pressing than delaying for Juliet in the tomb.

Ultimately, this decision leads to tragic consequences, as Romeo, unaware of the plan, believes Juliet is dead and takes his own life, leading Juliet to do the same upon awakening. The act reflects themes of miscommunication and the tragic nature of fate in the play.