Example lesson 5: Presentation of masculinity in Romeo and Juliet Lucy Strike, William Ellis School

Presentation of masculinity in Romeo and Juliet KQ: How do Shakespeare’s characters challenge or support ideas of masculinity? Starter: Who is the most masculine male character? Who is the least masculine male character? Lord Capulet, Lord Montague, Benvolio, Tybalt, Mercutio, Friar Lawrence, Romeo,

What makes a man? How do you think Shakespeare would define ‘masculinity’? Shakespeare might argue that being masculine ….. (make a link to a specific moment in the play so far or a key quotation you have written down)

Friar Lawrence’s ‘words of wisdom’ Romeo says: Ha, banishment? Be merciful, say 'death', For exile hath more terror in his look, Much more than death. Do not say 'banishment‘ Romeo would rather death than banishment. How do you think Friar Lawrence should advise Romeo? Discuss with your table and be ready to share your ideas. I believe that Friar Lawrence should tell Romeo to …

Noble Digressing Valour Denote Unseemly Activity These words appear in Friar Lawrence’s speech to Romeo. Which ones do you know? Speak to your partner and see if you can define them in your book. Noble Digressing Valour Denote Unseemly Synonyms Belonging to aristocracy / having high morals Moving away from / straying Courage / Bravery Represent / means Inappropriate / unsuitable

Friar Lawrence’s response to Romeo’s wish rather to die than be banished Thy noble shape is but a form of wax, Digressing from the valour of man Thy tears are womanish, thy wild acts denote the unreasonable fury of a beast What does this tell you about Friar Lawrence’s attitudes about what it means to be a 'man‘? Unseemly woman in a seeming man And ill-beseeming beast in seeming both! Fie, fie, thou sham'st thy shape, thy love, thy wit

Friar Lawrence’s response to Romeo’s wish rather to die than be banished Thy noble shape is but a form of wax, Digressing from the valour of man Thy tears are womanish, thy wild acts denote the unreasonable fury of a beast What does this tell you about Friar Lawrence’s attitudes about what it means to be a 'man‘? But, like a mishaved and sullen wrench Thou pout'st upon thy fortune and thy love Like powder in a skilless soldier's flask Is set afire by thine own ignorance Fie, fie, thou sham'st thy shape, thy love, thy wit Unseemly woman in a seeming man And ill-beseeming beast in seeming both! Thy dear love sworn but hollow perjury, Killing that love which thou hast vowed to cherish

Active Reading Act 3, scene 3 p. 111 Friar: student 1 Nurse: student 2 Romeo: teacher Look out for Romeo’s reactions to the Friar. What specific action makes the Friar question his masculinity?

KQ: How do Shakespeare’s characters challenge or support ideas of masculinity? What do we think Shakespeare wanted his audience to think about different views of masculinity? Think about the most ‘masculine’ characters or actions so far.