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?

1 answer

Here is a comprehensive response to the questions based on your outline from "Romeo and Juliet":

Lesson 5: Language in Poetry

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

    • Imagery.
  2. Why do authors use imagery and sensory language in their poems?:

    • Authors use imagery and sensory language to create vivid mental pictures, evoke emotions, and help readers experience the poem more fully through the senses.

Romeo & Juliet:

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

    • Lord Capulet decides to expedite Juliet's marriage to Paris, moving the wedding date up to Thursday. He believes this will provide Juliet with comfort following Tybalt's death.
  2. How does Paris react to Lord Capulet’s decision? What does this reveal about Paris’s character and his attitude towards marriage?:

    • Paris responds with eager compliance, expressing his willingness to marry Juliet soon. This reveals that Paris views the marriage as a social obligation rather than a romantic relationship, reflecting his desire for status more than genuine love.
  3. In the beginning of Act 3, Scene 5, what are Romeo and Juliet arguing about?:

    • Romeo and Juliet are not truly arguing; instead, they are reluctantly saying goodbye. Juliet insists that the nightingale is singing, signaling that it’s still night, but Romeo insists it is the lark, indicating morning, and he must leave.
  4. How does Juliet feel after Romeo leaves her?:

    • After Romeo leaves, Juliet feels devastated and anxious, overwhelmed by the separation and fearful of their fates.
  5. 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?:

    • Juliet is distraught upon hearing about the marriage to Paris and refuses to accept it. Lord Capulet threatens to disown her and to cast her out if she does not agree to the marriage.
  6. What advice does the Nurse give Juliet? How does this make Juliet feel?:

    • The Nurse advises Juliet to marry Paris, suggesting that he is a good match since Romeo is banished. This advice breaks Juliet’s trust in the Nurse, leading her to feel betrayed and isolated.
  7. What decision does Juliet make at the end of Act 3 Scene 5?:

    • Juliet decides to seek Friar Lawrence's help to escape her predicament, indicating her resolve to take control of her fate.
  8. How does Juliet’s character develop in these scenes, particularly in her responses to her parents and the Nurse?:

    • Juliet’s character develops from a passive girl to a determined and independent woman. Her responses show her willingness to defy her parents and the Nurse, asserting her own agency and highlighting her growth into adulthood.

Lesson 7: Dramatic Structure

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

    • Friar Lawrence plans to give Juliet a potion that will make her appear dead for 42 hours, allowing her to escape the marriage and reunite with Romeo.
  2. How does Juliet’s behavior towards her parents and the Nurse reflect her determination to follow through with Friar Lawrence’s plan?:

    • Juliet’s behavior becomes more secretive and resolved; she lies to her parents about her willingness to marry Paris, demonstrating her commitment to Friar Lawrence’s plan.
  3. What use of comic relief do you see in Act 4, Scene 2?:

    • The comic relief comes from the clumsy preparations made by the Capulet family for the wedding, especially the interactions between the servants, which underscore the contrast between the lightheartedness of the wedding preparations and Juliet's grave situation.
  4. What fears does Juliet express before taking the potion? How does she rationalize taking the potion despite these fears?:

    • Juliet fears that the potion might actually be poison, that she might wake up alone in the tomb, or that she might lose her sanity in the darkness. She rationalizes her decision by firmly believing that death is better than marrying Paris and that she would rather face her fears than be forced into an unwanted marriage.
  5. 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?:

    • This speech is called a soliloquy. Unlike a monologue, which can be directed at another character, a soliloquy is spoken when a character is alone on stage, revealing their inner thoughts and feelings.

Lesson 8: Dramatic Elements

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

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

    • Stage directions.
  3. What is an example of verbal irony?:

    • If a character exclaims, "What a beautiful day!" during a storm.
  4. What is an example of dramatic irony?:

    • The audience knows that Juliet is alive and in a death-like state while her family believes she is dead.
  5. What is an example of situational irony?:

    • When Juliet's family is preparing for her wedding, unaware that she is actually "dead."

Romeo & Juliet:

  1. 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?:

    • This is an example of dramatic irony.
  2. How do the Nurse and Lady Capulet react when they discover Juliet “dead” in her bed?:

    • They are devastated, expressing their grief and disbelief, with Lady Capulet calling for wailing and mourning.
  3. How does Lord Capulet react to Juliet’s apparent death? What does this reveal about his character?:

    • Lord Capulet is heartbroken and becomes frantic about the death of his daughter. This reaction shows his deep love for Juliet, contrasting with his earlier stern demeanor.
  4. How does Paris react to Juliet’s death? What does this suggest about his feelings for her?:

    • Paris is deeply saddened, lamenting her death and expressing a sense of loss. This suggests that he genuinely cared for her, albeit his feelings may not have been as profound as those of Romeo.
  5. 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?:

    • Friar Lawrence attempts to console the family by suggesting that Juliet is in a better place and that they should take joy in her eternal peace. His motivations stem from a sense of guilt for the chaos that resulted from his plans, wishing to ease their pain and perhaps to navigate the consequences of his actions.

Lesson 9: Mood, Tone, and Theme

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

    • Mood; atmosphere.
  2. What three things do authors use to create mood in a story?:

    • Diction, imagery, and tone.
  3. _______________ communicates how an author feels about their topic. It can also communicate _______________ or _______________.:

    • Tone; attitude; emotion.
  4. We can look at a writer’s language and determine their attitude towards the subject by analyzing their _______________ ______________.:

    • Word choice.
  5. Themes link _______________ _______________ about the world with the _______________ of a text.:

    • Universal truths; messages.
  6. Authors develop theme through the repeated use of _______________, changes in _______________, and _______________ and _______________ that repeatedly reference a similar idea.:

    • Symbols; character; motifs; conflicts.

Romeo & Juliet:

  1. What news does Balthasar bring to Romeo? How does Romeo react to this news?:

    • Balthasar informs Romeo that Juliet is dead. Romeo is heartbroken and devastated, insisting he cannot live without her.
  2. Why does Romeo seek out an apothecary, and what does he intend to do?:

    • Romeo seeks an apothecary to buy poison so he can kill himself and join Juliet in death.
  3. 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?:

    • Friar John is quarantined due to a plague outbreak, preventing him from reaching Romeo. This failure heightens the sense of tragedy as it illustrates the disconnect and miscommunication that leads to the catastrophic ending.
  4. Why is Paris at Juliet’s tomb, and what does this reveal about his character and feelings for Juliet?:

    • Paris is at the tomb to mourn Juliet and pay his respects. This reveals that he holds genuine affection for her, viewing her as a beloved even in death.
  5. How is Paris and Romeo’s fight similar to Romeo and Tybalt’s fight? What is the outcome?:

    • The fight is driven by passion and honor; both involve Romeo defending his love for Juliet. The outcome is similar because Romeo ultimately kills Paris, just as he killed Tybalt.
  6. What are Romeo’s thoughts and emotions as he prepares to take the poison and join Juliet in death?:

    • Romeo is filled with despair and a sense of inevitability. He expresses profound love for Juliet, believing death is the only way to be with her.
  7. 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?:

    • Juliet is devastated, shocked, and feels lost without Romeo. Her decision to join him in death reveals her passionate love, determination, and unwillingness to live in a world without him.
  8. What does Friar Laurence confess, and how does he explain the series of events that led to the tragedy?:

    • Friar Laurence confesses that his plans went awry and acknowledges his role in the deaths of the young lovers as a result of miscommunication and ill fate.
  9. What actions do the two families take to honor Romeo and Juliet, and what message does this convey?:

    • The Montagues and Capulets reconcile and vow to end their feud, honoring their children’s love. This conveys a message about the destructive consequences of hatred and the potential for healing and unity in the wake of tragedy.

This structured collection of responses should serve as a useful study guide for your lessons on "Romeo and Juliet."