Romeo and Juliet Act 2 Scene 3 and 4 (part 1) Date: Objectives Finish Act 2 Scene 3 and start Scene 4 Introduce Friar Laurence and see Tybalt’s challenge of Romeo By the end of the class, students should have a deeper understanding of Romeo based on what other people say about him. Warm –up – write the quote, answer the questions “Wisely and slow. They stumble that run fast.” (C90) This is advise Friar Laurence (a priest) gives to Romeo. What do you think it means? What do you think he is advising Romeo to do?

Today’s Reading Act 2 Scene 3 55.00 (min) – 1.02 (hour) Romeo and Juliet have just decided to get married. Romeo goes to find a priest and friend named Friar Laurence. Think of him as a wise elder man. Scene 4 1.02 – 1.07 (up to nurse entering) Benvolio tells us that Tybalt has sent a message to the Montagues challenging Romeo. Mercutio and Benvolio do not think it is a good idea because Tybalt is really strong and Romeo is not in a good place emotionally (they think). Audiobook at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYDFQL_LfeY

Notes – Act 2 Scene 3 Friar Laurence is the last major character to arrive on stage. He is the main advisor and helper to Romeo and Juliet. Laurence works with plants and herbs. He creates a metaphor for love and for human beings when he talks of poison and medicine in the same plant; “Two such opposed kings encamp them still In man as well as herbs”. There is both good and evil; the ability to help as well as hurt in his herbs. Laurence points out Romeo’s past affection for Rosaline and warns him of moving too fast. He still helps Romeo however as their love may stop the violence between the families.

Notes – Act 2 Scene 4 (part one) Mercutio and Benvolio are still looking out for Romeo. They still believe that he is obsessed with Rosaline. A letter has arrived from Tybalt challenging Romeo. The two friends discuss how skilled a fighter Tybalt is. They also do not think Romeo should fight while he is upset about Rosaline. “poor Romeo, he is already dead – stabbed with a white wench’s black eye; run through the ear with a love song” Romeo appears before them then. He is in a great mood (because of Juliet) and his friends are pleased to see this. They joke and banter with each other, showing how friendly they are.

Exercise In pairs, discuss the best advise anyone ever gave you. Has someone ever told you something that really makes your life easier or helped you a lot. or Come up with a piece of advise you would give to someone younger than you. Is there any mistake you have made in your life that you would warn others to prevent them making the same mistake.

Exercises Role-play: In pairs, write and perform the following scenario. You are talking back and forth to each other about the following: One person has to ‘talk-up’ Tybalt. They have to talk about him and make him seem the ultimate warrior. You can be overdramatic and use hyperbole (exaggeration). Your job is to scare Romeo. The other person has to ‘talk-down’ Romeo. They have to talk about him and make him seem like a weakling warrior. Again, be very dramatic and make stuff up.

Questions – Point, “reference”, explain. What is your opinion of Friar Laurence? What do you believe Friar Laurence’s opinion of Romeo is, based on what he says in this act? Why does Friar Laurence agree to marry Romeo and Juliet? How does Mercutio describe Tybalt’s abilities in this act? Do you think Romeo is in a good mood when he talks to his friends? Why?

Cooldown Question Are secrets about major life events a good idea. Why should you tell people before you make big decisions? Can you give examples?