What is ironic about the friar's arrival at the tomb what if he had been just ten minutes earlier?

Answer 1

The friar arrived just after the death of the two star crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet.

If he had arrived earlier he would have stopped Romeo from poisoning himself. The couple would have secretly lived happily ever after away from Verona. But that's no way to end a tragic love story....

Answer 2

The irony in the friar's arrival at the tomb lies in the timing of his arrival, just after Romeo has taken his life and moments before Juliet awakens. If the friar had arrived ten minutes earlier, he may have prevented Romeo's death and avoided the tragic outcome that follows. However, his late arrival ultimately contributes to the tragic resolution of the play.