Name: [Your Name]
Date: [Today's Date]
Assignment: Romeo and Juliet Graphic Organizer
As we read Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, we are going to try to determine who is responsible for the tragic ending. At the end of each act, you will have class time to work on this graphic organizer. Search for evidence that shows how each character is responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. “Evidence” is a DIRECT quote from the play that helps back up your persuasive point. To find evidence, you may use LiveLesson recordings, THIS Shakesclear Translation, THIS LitCharts Document, or the MyShakespeare website. Explain how your evidence shows that the character is responsible for the tragedy. You will submit the completed graphic organizer for a portfolio grade. You will be able to use this graphic organizer on your final exam.
| Act | Fate | The Capulets & The Montagues | Friar Lawrence | Romeo & Juliet | The Nurse | |-----|------|-------------------------------|-----------------|----------------|-----------| | Act 1 & 2 Evidence & Explanation | “A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life” (P.6). | This line shows that fate has already determined Romeo and Juliet’s tragic deaths, suggesting their love is doomed from the start by forces beyond their control. | "Wisdom gives the place of experience" (1.4.52). | This foreshadows the impulsive decisions that lead to tragedy. Romeo and Juliet act without considering the consequences of their love. | “I think it best you married with the County.” (1.3.67). This demonstrates the Nurse’s lack of support for Juliet’s true feelings, which contributes to Juliet’s desperation. | | Act 3 Evidence & Explanation | “O, I am fortune’s fool!” (3.1.133). | Romeo is blaming fate here for Tybalt’s death. He admits that his actions were inevitable, showing that fate is responsible for all of the tragedy in the play. | "These violent delights have violent ends" (2.6.9). | This shows that Romeo and Juliet's intense love could lead to equally intense consequences, indicating that their passionate feelings are out of control. | “Shame comes to my mouth, I do not hide it” (3.5.19). The Nurse's betrayal of Juliet's trust adds to her isolation and desperation. | | Act 4 & 5 Evidence & Explanation | "If, rather than to marry County Paris, Thou hast the strength of will to slay thyself, Then it is likely thou wilt undertake, A thing like death to chide away this shame" (4.1.69-73).| Friar Lawrence makes a plan with Juliet that depends on a number of circumstances aligning just right. This shows that there is a dependence on fate for the outcome of the play. | "All things that we ordained festival, Turn from their office to black disaster." (3.5.33-34). | This highlights how quickly the situation spirals out of control and the life-altering consequences that stem from rash decisions. | “I must needs wake you: Lady, come, your Boston love!” (5.3.25). The Nurse does not take Juliet’s predicament seriously, leading to tragic outcomes. |
Is this character the most at fault for the tragic ending? Why or why not?
While fate is seen as a driving force in the play, it is not the most responsible for the tragic ending of Romeo and Juliet. The characters in the play make impulsive decisions and communicate poorly. The characters refer to fate throughout the play but ultimately use fate as an excuse for their lack of judgment. This is specifically shown when Romeo admits that he is “fortune’s fool.” Rather than take responsibility for his actions, he blames fate for the murder he has just committed. Additionally, the Nurse and Friar Lawrence enable the young lovers' rash decisions. Ultimately, the characters in the play are far more responsible for their tragic endings than fate.