Answering a Romeo exam question Date: Objectives Examine notes on the male protagonist of the play to come to a better understanding of Romeo. Form a serious opinion about Romeo so as to write an essay. Warm-up – Examine all the key words that describe Romeo. Pick one and explain it then. Emotional, romantic, idealistic, impulsive, hasty, honourable, loving, sincere, virtuous, well-mannered, naive, passionate, unfortunate, moody, shallow, selfish.

Purpose: Form an opinion of Romeo. The following slides are like the ‘important parts’ for the character of Romeo. They argue that he is a child who acts without thinking. He then matures into a man at the end of the play. The purpose of these slides is that you might form an opinion on the character. This is it’s structure. Introduction: How is he introduced? Challenges: What issues does he face? Crisis: What important decisions does he make? Resolution: What are the consequences of those decisions. Final impression: What did you learn from him.

Romeo: Bio - Introduction Romeo is the son and heir of the Montague family. He is about sixteen years old. He lives during a violent feud in Verona, Italy, between his family and the Capulets. He is not interested in violence and hatred however. He acts only on his feelings of love, which he describes as: ‘A madness most discreet, A choking gall and a perserving sweet” (Act 1, scene 1) Romeo is very sensitive and emotional here; saying that love makes him crazy. The fact he cannot be with the person he loves is painful and the same as death in his eyes. This is Romeo’s big weakness in the play; a lack of self-control which will cause sudden emotional outbursts and lead to rash actions as the play continues. Examine Act 1, Scene 1 – only Romeo’s lines. Do you think he is sensitive or emotional? Find a quote to prove your point.

Challenges: Romeo as a naive child Romeo’s feelings for Juliet are strong from the first time he sees her. He immediately approaches and kisses her without even knowing her name. Upon learning it, he says: “O dear account! My life is my foe’s debt” (Act 1, Scene 5) He realises and dismisses the danger that accompanies falling in love with a Capulet as in the next act, he trespasses on Capulet grounds to see Juliet again. Romeo’s childlike impatience and lack of self-control makes him blind to danger; to the fact he could be killed, as he says: “what love can do, that dares love attempt. Therefore thy kinsman are no stop to me” (Act 2, Scene 2) Romeo’s innocence or naivety make him believe that love will protect him from any danger, that love will conquer all and save the day. Examine Act 2, scene 2 – Romeo’s soliloquy which starts the scene. Find and explain three images he uses to describe Juliet.

Crises – Romeo’s nature shows itself. Romeo acts in the spur of the moment. This leads him to marry Juliet the day after they met but also leads to him killing her cousin the same day. He tries to act reasonable and sensible when Tybalt provokes him but when his friend dies, Romeo loses self-control, saying: “fire-eyed fury be my conduct now!”. (Act 3, Scene 1) Again, having pointed out the dangers and consequences himself; telling Mercutio and Tybalt not to fight because of the Prince’s decree, Romeo jumps headfirst into a situation he knows will not end well. On impulse or a tantrum rage, he kills Tybalt and is banished from Verona. Examine Act 3, Scene 1 – Romeo’s lines Is Romeo forced to kill Tybalt or does he have other options? Explain your opinion.

Resolution – from adolescence to adulthood. Romeo’s banishment matures him. When news of Juliet’s death reaches him in Mantua, we would have expected Romeo to lose self-control and act straight away. He is not impatient or impulsive though, instead recognising and accepting the reality before him. He comes to his decision calmly and with enough dignity that we can see him as a man, as he says: “I will stay with thee And never from this palace of dim night Depart again. Here, here will I remain.” (Act 5, Scene 3) Though his response to the situation was more foolish and wrong than his other decisions, there is reasoning behind it as opposed to acting without thinking. Examine Act 5, Scene 3 – Romeo’s lines Find evidence of Romeo thinking of other people (his squire, father or Paris).

Final Impression – some thoughts Romeo is a young man who has to cope with great joy and great heartbreak within a very short space of time. He moves from being a rather self- centred and childish boy to a young husband whose wife is the centre of his world. This is the tragic death of a character who was not perfect but was likeable, loving and true to the end.

Homework: At the end of the week, you shall be given the task to write an essay on Romeo, Juliet or Tybalt. The question will be ‘Write about your favourite character. Why do you find that character interesting?’ Tonight: Question – 1 paragraph, half A4 page: Do you like Romeo? Why or why not? Give evidence for your answer. In summary then, we examined the following in this class: Romeo’s introduction in Act 1 The problems he faces in Act 2 The decisions he makes in Act 3 How it ends for him in Act 4 and 5