Writer’s Notebook: Diary Writing for Romeo and Juliet This just in! Donatella DiGiacomo, an elderly widow living in Verona, Italy, has discovered a box containing collected love letters, diary entries, and illustrations dating back to the 16th Century. Collectively, these items tell a very interesting story of love, hate, loyalty, betrayal, and fate. Mrs. DiGiacomo has graciously allowed us to publish these items in book form for everyone’s perusal and enjoyment.

Required Diary Entries: (choose one to represent each Act – total of 5) - Be sure to identify clearly the Act and Scene - Identify the character - Cite the quote correctly and include the lines There are 5 required diary entries representing the key scenes in the play. All diary entries must be organized in chronological order by Act. Each diary entry must be written in the 1st person. [Choose a significant character from the scene.] Each diary entry must begin with a significant line from the scene spoken by the character. For the remainder of the entry, the character should reflect on his / her own words and their significance to events in the play. Have the character explore why he/she says the quotation. Have the character ask thought-provoking questions and then have them ponder the answers to those questions. What is going on in the character’s mind, heart, and soul? What are his/her conflicts? Fears? Desires? Hopes? Etc… I DON’T WANT TO SEE PLOT SUMMARIES! Each diary entry must be a minimum of two paragraphs long. Each diary entry should reflect a sophisticated and mature level of understanding of the characters, their conflicts, thoughts and feelings. The best entries are those in which the character ponders major themes of the work.

Sample Romeo and Juliet Diary Entry Act 1, Scene 1   Prince of Verona’s Point of View “If ever you disturb our streets again, your lives shall pay the forfeit of this peace…”(lines 92-93) Today I had to intervene in yet ANOTHER Montague/Capulet dispute. I really cannot understand why these families can’t settle their differences. It is so frustrating when lords in my own city can’t control their own servants and families. You’d think educated, wealthy men like Lord Capulet and Lord Montague could forge a peace between them. I really don’t think either family really knows why they are fighting. My father, the king, mentioned once that one Capulet had insulted a Montague long ago. I’m sure that is how the feud began. But many people insult each other daily. Why does that mean they need to resort to violence and murder? They have way too much pride and need to learn some humility. Even if they don’t want to be friendly, they need to cease brawling and fighting in public! It is a danger to innocent citizens and against the law! I refuse to allow their petty grievances to cost more lives. So, if they refuse to listen hereafter, I will take the lives of their men who continue to fight! Somehow, they must learn their lesson. They are not above the law! But oh, why must violence beget violence?