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Lesson 1: Poetry and Drama Introduction

Romeo & Juliet Act 1 Scenes 1-3
Videos:

William Shakespeare was born in the town ___________________ in the center of England and was baptized in __________. He moved to _______________ in 1592 to become part of the theatre scene.

Many of Shakespeare’s plays were performed in the _______________ _______________, and Shakespeare himself acted in some of his plays.

Romeo & Juliet:

In the prologue of Romeo & Juliet, how does Shakespeare let you know the tragic ending of the story right at the very beginning?

What is the Prince's decree after breaking up the fight between the Montagues and Capulets? Why is this important?

When we first meet Romeo, what kind of mood is he in? What is the reason for his mood?

Why does Romeo desire to attend the Capulet party?

How could Montagues Romeo and Benvolio go to the Capulet’s party when their families are enemies?

How does Juliet respond to her mother's suggestion of marriage to Paris?

What does Juliet's attitude towards marriage tell us about her character?

What themes do you see developing in these opening scenes?

Lesson 2: Poetry and Drama Reading Day

Romeo & Juliet Act 1 Scenes 4-5 AND
Act 2 Scenes 1-2
Romeo & Juliet:

What does Romeo fear before they enter the Capulet party? How does this add to the sense of foreboding?

How does Tybalt react to seeing Romeo at the party? What does this reaction tell us about Tybalt’s character?

In the first interaction between Romeo and Juliet, how do they speak to each other, and what is significant about their dialogue?

How does Juliet react upon discovering Romeo's identity? What does this reveal about the conflict she will face?

How are the themes of fate and destiny highlighted in the scenes in Act 1?

Act II, Scene 1 begins immediately after the party. Where has Romeo gone?

How does Romeo’s language when he first sees Juliet reflect his feelings for her?

How do Romeo and Juliet express their love for each other during this scene? Provide examples of metaphors and similes they use.

What plans do Romeo and Juliet make by the end of Scene 2?

How are the themes of love and danger intertwined in these scenes?

Lesson 3: Structure of Poetry

Romeo & Juliet Act 2 Scenes 3-6

Lesson pages 6-9:

_______________ is how a poem is organized, including rhyme, rhythm, number of lines, etc.

A _______________ is a group of lines in a poem.

A _______________ _______________ is the ordered pattern of rhymes at the ends of the lines of a poem.
_______________ is the number of beats or stressed syllables per line of poetry.

Romeo & Juliet:

How does Friar Lawrence react to Romeo’s sudden change of heart from Rosaline to Juliet? What does this reveal about Romeo’s character?

Why does Friar Lawrence agree to marry Romeo and Juliet despite his initial hesitation? What does he hope to achieve?

How does the Nurse act when she meets Romeo, and what does this show about her character?

What instructions from Romeo does the Nurse give to Juliet?

How does Friar Lawrence advise Romeo and Juliet before he marries them? What does this reveal about his concerns?

How are the themes of love and conflict developed in these scenes?

Lesson 4: Poetic Elements

Romeo & Juliet Act 3 Scenes 1-3

Lesson pages 1-4:

_______________ is when several words in a short section begin with the same sound. For example- “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.” (Repeats the “p” sound)

_______________ is when several words in a short section contain the same vowel sound. For example- “I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream.” (Repeats the “ee” sound)

_______________ is when several words in a short section contain the same consonant sound. For example- “He struck a streak of bad luck.” (Repeats the “k” sound)

_______________ is when a line break occurs in the middle of a sentence or phrase in a poem.

Romeo & Juliet:

How does Romeo try to intervene in the fight between Tybalt and Mercutio? Why does he do this?

According to Prince Escalus’ decree in Act 1, what should be the consequence of Romeo’s involvement in Tybalt's and Mercutio's deaths?

What punishment does the Prince decree for Romeo? Why does he choose this punishment instead of a harsher one?

What does Juliet’s soliloquy reveal about her feelings towards Romeo and their marriage?

How does Juliet react to the news of Tybalt’s death and Romeo’s banishment?

How does Romeo react to the news of his banishment? What does he say about living without Juliet?

What message does the Nurse bring from Juliet to Romeo?

What plan does Friar Lawrence propose to help Romeo avoid immediate danger and eventually reunite with Juliet?

Lesson 5: Language in Poetry

Romeo & Juliet Act 3 Scenes 4-5
Lesson pages 6-9:

Descriptions in a poem that evoke mental snapshots that appeal to the five senses are called _______________.

Why do authors use imagery and sensory language in their poems?

Romeo & Juliet:

What decision does Lord Capulet make regarding Juliet's marriage to Paris and why?

How does Paris react to Lord Capulet’s decision? What does this reveal about Paris’s character and his attitude towards marriage?

In the beginning of Act 3, Scene 5, what are Romeo and Juliet arguing about?

How does Juliet feel after Romeo leaves her?

How does Juliet respond to the news of her upcoming marriage to Paris? What threats does Lord Capulet make to Juliet if she does not obey his wishes?

What advice does the Nurse give Juliet? How does this make Juliet feel?

What decision does Juliet make at the end of Act 3 Scene 5?

How does Juliet’s character develop in these scenes, particularly in her responses to her parents and the Nurse?

Lesson 7: Dramatic Structure

Romeo & Juliet Act 4 Scenes 1-3
Videos:

Structure of a Five Act Play
Definition
Act 1- Exposition

Act 2- Rising Action (Complication)

Act 3- Climax

Act 4- Falling Action

Act 5- Resolution

Romeo & Juliet:

What plan does Friar Lawrence devise to help Juliet avoid marrying Paris?

How does Juliet’s behavior towards her parents and the Nurse reflect her determination to follow through with Friar Lawrence’s plan?

What use of comic relief do you see in Act 4, Scene 2?

What fears does Juliet express before taking the potion? How does she rationalize taking the potion despite these fears?

What is the name for the kind of dramatic speech Juliet gives at the end of Scene 3? How Is this different from a monologue?

Lesson 8: Dramatic Elements

Romeo & Juliet Act 4 Scenes 4-5
Videos:

_______________ are sections of a drama that are separated by time or location.

_______________ _______________ tell the team putting a drama together what is happening on stage. These are NOT read aloud by the actors.

What is an example of verbal irony?

What is an example of dramatic irony?

What is an example of situational irony?

Romeo & Juliet:

In Act 4 Scene 4, the Capulets are preparing for Juliet’s wedding; however, as readers of the play, we know that Juliet has taken Friar Lawrence’s potion and is “dead.” What type of irony is this?

How do the Nurse and Lady Capulet react when they discover Juliet “dead” in her bed?

How does Lord Capulet react to Juliet’s apparent death? What does this reveal about his character?

How does Paris react to Juliet’s death? What does this suggest about his feelings for her?

How does Friar Lawrence attempt to comfort the Capulet family after Juliet’s “death”? What motivations might Friar Lawrence have for his words and actions in this scene?

Lesson 9: Mood, Tone, and Theme

Romeo & Juliet Act 5 Scenes 1-3
Videos:

_______________ is the feeling that you get from a work of literature or art. This can also be called _______________.

What three things do author’s use to create mood in a story?

_______________ communicates how an author feels about their topic. It can also communicate _______________ or _______________.

We can look at a writer’s language and determine their attitude towards the subject by analyzing their _______________ ______________.

Themes link _______________ _______________ about the world with the _______________ of a text.

Authors develop theme through the repeated use of _______________, changes in _______________, and _______________ and _______________ that repeatedly reference a similar idea.

Romeo & Juliet:

What news does Balthasar bring to Romeo? How does Romeo react to this news?

Why does Romeo seek out an apothecary, and what does he intend to do?

What prevents Friar John from delivering Friar Lawrence’s letter to Romeo? How does the failure of the letter delivery contribute to the sense of impending tragedy?

Why is Paris at Juliet’s tomb, and what does this reveal about his character and feelings for Juliet?

How is Paris and Romeo’s fight similar to Romeo and Tybalt’s fight? What is the outcome?

What are Romeo’s thoughts and emotions as he prepares to take the poison and join Juliet in death?

What is Juliet’s reaction upon waking and finding Romeo dead beside her? What does her decision to join Romeo in death reveal about her character?

What does Friar Laurence confess, and how does he explain the series of events that led to the tragedy?

What actions do the two families take to honor Romeo and Juliet, and what message does this convey?

2 answers

Here’s a structured response based on your lesson outlines for Romeo and Juliet:

Lesson 1: Poetry and Drama Introduction

William Shakespeare was born in the town of Stratford-upon-Avon in the center of England and was baptized in 1564. He moved to London in 1592 to become part of the theatre scene.

Many of Shakespeare’s plays were performed in the Globe Theatre, and Shakespeare himself acted in some of his plays.

Romeo & Juliet:

  1. In the prologue of Romeo & Juliet, how does Shakespeare let you know the tragic ending of the story right at the very beginning?

    • Shakespeare foreshadows the tragic ending by stating that the two "star-cross'd lovers" will take their lives, indicating their doomed fate from the outset.

  2. What is the Prince's decree after breaking up the fight between the Montagues and Capulets? Why is this important?

    • The Prince decrees that any further disturbances would be punished by death. This establishes the seriousness of the feud and the potential consequences for the characters.

  3. When we first meet Romeo, what kind of mood is he in? What is the reason for his mood?

    • Romeo is melancholy and heartbroken, primarily due to unrequited love for Rosaline.

  4. Why does Romeo desire to attend the Capulet party?

    • Romeo wants to see Rosaline, but he is also persuaded by Benvolio to go and find someone else.

  5. How could Montagues Romeo and Benvolio go to the Capulet’s party when their families are enemies?

    • They attend in disguise, accepting the risk for the chance to see Rosaline.

  6. How does Juliet respond to her mother's suggestion of marriage to Paris?

    • Juliet is initially non-committal, stating she hasn’t given much thought to marriage.

  7. What does Juliet's attitude towards marriage tell us about her character?

    • It shows she is obedient and respectful to her parents but also lacks experience and interest in love at this point.

  8. What themes do you see developing in these opening scenes?

    • Themes of love vs. hate, fate, and youthful impetuosity are introduced.

Lesson 2: Poetry and Drama Reading Day

Romeo & Juliet:

  1. What does Romeo fear before they enter the Capulet party? How does this add to the sense of foreboding?

    • Romeo fears that something bad will happen as a consequence of attending the party, which adds a sense of anxiety and foreshadows the tragic events to come.

  2. How does Tybalt react to seeing Romeo at the party? What does this reaction tell us about Tybalt’s character?

    • Tybalt is furious and wants to confront Romeo, showcasing his hot temper and loyalty to the Capulet name.

  3. In the first interaction between Romeo and Juliet, how do they speak to each other, and what is significant about their dialogue?

    • They engage in a flirtatious exchange using religious imagery, suggesting the purity and sanctity of their love.

  4. How does Juliet react upon discovering Romeo's identity? What does this reveal about the conflict she will face?

    • Juliet is distraught, realizing that Romeo is a Montague; this introduces the theme of forbidden love and the conflict between their families.

  5. How are the themes of fate and destiny highlighted in the scenes in Act 1?

    • The prologue and Romeo's premonitions emphasize that their love is doomed from the beginning, highlighting the concept of fate.

  6. Act II, Scene 1 begins immediately after the party. Where has Romeo gone?

    • Romeo has climbed over the orchard wall to see Juliet again.

  7. How does Romeo’s language when he first sees Juliet reflect his feelings for her?

    • His language is poetic and filled with admiration, indicating deep infatuation.

  8. How do Romeo and Juliet express their love for each other during this scene? Provide examples of metaphors and similes they use.

    • They use rich metaphors to describe their feelings, such as Juliet comparing their lips to pilgrims and the notion of their love being like a powerful drug.

  9. What plans do Romeo and Juliet make by the end of Scene 2?

    • They agree to marry the next day.

  10. How are the themes of love and danger intertwined in these scenes?

    • Their love emerges amidst the dangerous feud, emphasizing the risks inherent in their relationship.

Lesson 3: Structure of Poetry

Lesson pages 6-9:

  1. ________________ is how a poem is organized, including rhyme, rhythm, number of lines, etc.

    • Form

  2. A _______________ is a group of lines in a poem.

    • Stanza

  3. A _______________ _______________ is the ordered pattern of rhymes at the ends of the lines of a poem.

    • Rhyme scheme

  4. _______________ is the number of beats or stressed syllables per line of poetry.

    • Meter

Romeo & Juliet:

  1. How does Friar Lawrence react to Romeo’s sudden change of heart from Rosaline to Juliet? What does this reveal about Romeo’s character?

    • Friar Lawrence is surprised and concerned, indicating Romeo’s impulsive nature.

  2. Why does Friar Lawrence agree to marry Romeo and Juliet despite his initial hesitation? What does he hope to achieve?

    • He hopes that their marriage will end the feud between the Montagues and Capulets.

  3. How does the Nurse act when she meets Romeo, and what does this show about her character?

    • The Nurse is flirtatious and playful, showing her as a comic and protective figure in Juliet’s life.

  4. What instructions from Romeo does the Nurse give to Juliet?

    • She tells Juliet to meet Romeo at Friar Lawrence’s cell to marry him.

  5. How does Friar Lawrence advise Romeo and Juliet before he marries them? What does this reveal about his concerns?

    • He advises them to love moderately, showing his awareness of the potential for their intense emotions to lead to trouble.

  6. How are the themes of love and conflict developed in these scenes?

    • The intensity of their love contrasts sharply with the feuding nature of their families.

Lesson 4: Poetic Elements

Romeo & Juliet: Act 3 Scenes 1-3

Lesson pages 1-4:

  1. _______________ is when several words in a short section begin with the same sound.

    • Alliteration

  2. _______________ is when several words in a short section contain the same vowel sound.

    • Assonance

  3. _______________ is when several words in a short section contain the same consonant sound.

    • Consonance

  4. _______________ is when a line break occurs in the middle of a sentence or phrase in a poem.

    • Enjambment

Romeo & Juliet:

  1. How does Romeo try to intervene in the fight between Tybalt and Mercutio? Why does he do this?

    • Romeo tries to placate Tybalt, hoping to avoid violence due to his secret marriage to Juliet.

  2. According to Prince Escalus’ decree in Act 1, what should be the consequence of Romeo’s involvement in Tybalt's and Mercutio's deaths?

    • The consequence is banishment.

  3. What punishment does the Prince decree for Romeo? Why does he choose this punishment instead of a harsher one?

    • The Prince banishes Romeo instead of executing him, showing some leniency given the circumstances.

  4. What does Juliet’s soliloquy reveal about her feelings towards Romeo and their marriage?

    • It reveals her deep love and her inner turmoil at the news of the violence.

  5. How does Juliet react to the news of Tybalt’s death and Romeo’s banishment?

    • She is initially heartbroken about Tybalt but ultimately feels despair at Romeo’s banishment.

  6. How does Romeo react to the news of his banishment? What does he say about living without Juliet?

    • He is distraught and says he would rather die than live without her.

  7. What message does the Nurse bring from Juliet to Romeo?

    • The Nurse brings news that Juliet still loves him and wants to see him.

  8. What plan does Friar Lawrence propose to help Romeo avoid immediate danger and eventually reunite with Juliet?

    • He tells Romeo to hide and wait for an opportunity to eventually reunite with Juliet.

Lessons 5-9: Further Analysis of Romeo and Juliet

Due to space constraints, I can highlight key aspects you may find useful in future lessons:

  • Imagery and Sensory Language: Crucial in conveying emotions and setting the mood.
  • Dramatic Structure: Different acts focus on exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution, creating a narrative arc that engages audiences.
  • Dramatic Elements: Irony (verbal, dramatic, situational) plays a pivotal role in revealing character motivations and heightening tension.
  • Mood and Tone: Created through descriptive language and character interactions, establishing the overall emotional landscape of the play.

These summaries provide a guide to the themes and motifs in Shakespeare's tragedy. For a detailed discussion or analysis from specific parts of the play, feel free to ask!

Lesson 5: Language in Poetry

Romeo & Juliet Act 3 Scenes 4-5
Lesson pages 6-9:

Descriptions in a poem that evoke mental snapshots that appeal to the five senses are called .

Why do authors use imagery and sensory language in their poems?

Romeo & Juliet:

What decision does Lord Capulet make regarding Juliet's marriage to Paris and why?

How does Paris react to Lord Capulet’s decision? What does this reveal about Paris’s character and his attitude towards marriage?

In the beginning of Act 3, Scene 5, what are Romeo and Juliet arguing about?

How does Juliet feel after Romeo leaves her?

How does Juliet respond to the news of her upcoming marriage to Paris? What threats does Lord Capulet make to Juliet if she does not obey his wishes?

What advice does the Nurse give Juliet? How does this make Juliet feel?

What decision does Juliet make at the end of Act 3 Scene 5?

How does Juliet’s character develop in these scenes, particularly in her responses to her parents and the Nurse?

Lesson 7: Dramatic Structure

Romeo & Juliet Act 4 Scenes 1-3
Videos:

Structure of a Five Act Play
Definition
Act 1- Exposition

Act 2- Rising Action (Complication)

Act 3- Climax

Act 4- Falling Action

Act 5- Resolution

Romeo & Juliet:

What plan does Friar Lawrence devise to help Juliet avoid marrying Paris?

How does Juliet’s behavior towards her parents and the Nurse reflect her determination to follow through with Friar Lawrence’s plan?

What use of comic relief do you see in Act 4, Scene 2?

What fears does Juliet express before taking the potion? How does she rationalize taking the potion despite these fears?

What is the name for the kind of dramatic speech Juliet gives at the end of Scene 3? How Is this different from a monologue?

Lesson 8: Dramatic Elements

Romeo & Juliet Act 4 Scenes 4-5
Videos:

_______________ are sections of a drama that are separated by time or location.

_______________ _______________ tell the team putting a drama together what is happening on stage. These are NOT read aloud by the actors.

What is an example of verbal irony?

What is an example of dramatic irony?

What is an example of situational irony?

Romeo & Juliet:

In Act 4 Scene 4, the Capulets are preparing for Juliet’s wedding; however, as readers of the play, we know that Juliet has taken Friar Lawrence’s potion and is “dead.” What type of irony is this?

How do the Nurse and Lady Capulet react when they discover Juliet “dead” in her bed?

How does Lord Capulet react to Juliet’s apparent death? What does this reveal about his character?

How does Paris react to Juliet’s death? What does this suggest about his feelings for her?

How does Friar Lawrence attempt to comfort the Capulet family after Juliet’s “death”? What motivations might Friar Lawrence have for his words and actions in this scene?

Lesson 9: Mood, Tone, and Theme

Romeo & Juliet Act 5 Scenes 1-3
Videos:

_______________ is the feeling that you get from a work of literature or art. This can also be called _______________.

What three things do author’s use to create mood in a story?

_______________ communicates how an author feels about their topic. It can also communicate _______________ or _______________.

We can look at a writer’s language and determine their attitude towards the subject by analyzing their _______________ ______________.

Themes link _______________ _______________ about the world with the _______________ of a text.

Authors develop theme through the repeated use of _______________, changes in _______________, and _______________ and _______________ that repeatedly reference a similar idea.

Romeo & Juliet:

What news does Balthasar bring to Romeo? How does Romeo react to this news?

Why does Romeo seek out an apothecary, and what does he intend to do?

What prevents Friar John from delivering Friar Lawrence’s letter to Romeo? How does the failure of the letter delivery contribute to the sense of impending tragedy?

Why is Paris at Juliet’s tomb, and what does this reveal about his character and feelings for Juliet?

How is Paris and Romeo’s fight similar to Romeo and Tybalt’s fight? What is the outcome?

What are Romeo’s thoughts and emotions as he prepares to take the poison and join Juliet in death?

What is Juliet’s reaction upon waking and finding Romeo dead beside her? What does her decision to join Romeo in death reveal about her character?

What does Friar Laurence confess, and how does he explain the series of events that led to the tragedy?

What actions do the two families take to honor Romeo and Juliet, and what message does this convey?