Romeo & Juliet Unit Introduction

Unit objectives Read: a Shakespeare play centered on the theme “Destruction of Innocence” Interpret: literary elements used in a play with an emphasis on the 5 part structure of Shakespearean tragedy Apply: a variety of reading strategies to the play Respond: to the play using a variety of modes

Unit objectives cont’d Research: word origins Learn: about Shakespeare’s life and the history of the Globe Theater

William Shakespeare’s life 3 rd of 8 children around April 23 rd, 1564 in Stratford, England Father = shopkeeper & justice of the peace/mayor Attended grammar school, studied Latin Member of Lord Chamberlain’s Men (acting company), supported by King James

R&J was one of his first plays written (between ) Retired & lived in Stratford Wrote 37 plays: Julius Caesar, Hamlet, Othello, Macbeth If still alive, would receive $25,000/weekly in royalties Died at 52

The Globe Theater 1576: Burbage builds first permanent theater (The Theater) 1599: Burbage’s theater is torn down, the Globe Theater a.k.a. Wooden O is built Wooden O: 3 stories high, elevated stage, natural lighting, meager set designs/props (character announcements) Women’s parts played by men

Theme The destruction of innocence ◦ Who is responsible? A conflict (Capulets vs. Montagues) that tears apart an otherwise civilized city (Verona, Italy) also destroys the innocent children that two families hold dearest Hope can be ruined by the very people that you trust the most ◦ Who do you trust?

Before you read… Tragedy: a narrative about serious and important actions that end unhappily. 5 parts: ◦ 1. Exposition: (act I) establishes the setting, introduces some main characters, explains background, and introduces the characters’ main conflict ◦ 2. Rising action: (act II) a series of complications, occur as the main characters take action to resolve their problems

Shakespeare’s tragedy ◦ 3. Crisis/turning point: (act III) the moment when a choice made by the main characters determines the direction of the action (upward, happy ending=comedy, downward= tragedy) ◦ 4. Falling action: (act IV) presents events that result from the turning point, characters are locked deeper into disaster ◦ 5. Climax & resolution: (act V) occurs at end, usually with the death of main characters. In the resolution (denouement) the loose parts are tied together. The play is over.

The Prologue Chorus (single actor) states: Setting: Verona, Italy 2 feuding noble families produces fighting Dooms 2 lovers (one from each family) “Their death-marked-love” = play’s subject Climax = untimely deaths, resolves the families’ feud with eachother

Journal #1 “Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight! For I ne’er saw true beauty till this night.”- The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet (Act I, Scene 5) Analyze the quote. Keep in mind that Rome, before meeting Juliet, thinks he is love with someone else. Discuss whether such a sudden change of heart represents fickleness or the dramatic effects of true love.

Journal #2 Can you truly (100%) trust anyone? If so, who? Why or why not?

Journal #3 Is love at first sight real? Is there one soul mate for everyone, or are we compatible with many?

Journal #4 “Kids these days! They think that love conquers all, that nothing matters except how they feel about each other. They have no sense of responsibility to their families, no respect for tradition, no regard for those who are older and wiser. They don’t know the problems they’re going to have that all the love in the world won’t solve for them.”

Journal #5 Write a dialog with either Romeo or Juliet. Ask questions and provide answers that demonstrate your knowledge of the play.