Today you’ll need your SpringBoard, writing utensil, highlighter, journal, and a packet from the front table. Entry Task: Open your SpringBoard to page 342. As you read the scene from West Side Story, annotate it for similarities and differences to the balcony scene in Romeo and Juliet. Address specifics from R&J. Once everyone has finished, discuss how the writers used Romeo and Juliet as inspiration for this scene, but still managed to modernize it to keep it relevant to a more modern audience.

R&J: Act 2 Scene 3 Using the packet, individually interpret Friar Laurence’s soliloquy at the beginning of the scene (first page in packet). Use context clues and a dictionary if necessary. With a partner: Most of his soliloquy is a metaphor, so once you understand the wording, go back and make connections between the metaphor and the play so far (as well as what we know will happen in the play).

Oral Reading Now as a group, divide up parts (2 people for Romeo and 2 people for Friar Laurence). Do an oral reading of the rest of this scene. – 1 “Romeo” does the reading, and the other “Romeo” annotates the script- interpretations, characterization, etc. – 1 “Friar Laurence” does the reading, and the other “Friar Laurence” does the annotations- interpretations, foreshadowing, metaphors, etc. After the reading, discuss as a group, the following questions: – What foreshadowing is presented through Friar Laurence’s words? – What are Friar Laurence’s thoughts about Romeo’s new found love? – Why does Friar Laurence agree to preform the marriage ceremony between Romeo and Juliet?

Act 2 Scene 4 Listen and follow along- taking notes about significant character traits, and events. – This scene starts with Mercutio and Benvolio talking about the challenge Tybalt has sent to Romeo for a duel. Mercutio takes this opportunity to make it clear he does not like Tybalt. – Soon after, Romeo enters, no longer depressed and full of vivacity. Romeo and Mercutio have a battle of wits (it’s okay if you don’t fully understand everything that’s said, just know that it’s playful jesting). – The Nurse will then enter, be teased mercilessly by Mercutio, but then, in a private conversation with Romeo, make plans for a secret wedding ceremony.

Discuss your notes Discuss with your group what you noticed about this scene. Questions, confusions?

Act 2 Scene 5 Once again, read along in the book as you listen to this scene. This scene presents a lot about the relationship between the Nurse and Juliet. Once the scene is over, as a group, try to interpret the metaphors presented in Juliet’s soliloquy at the beginning of the scene.

Final Activity: Act 2 Scene 6 Do an oral reading of Act 2 Scene 6 (last page of packet). Then go back and interpret, line by line, the conversation between Friar Laurence and Romeo (before Juliet’s arrival). Once you have interpreted it, identify the foreshadowing and dramatic irony (since the audience knows that Romeo and Juliet both die) within the text. Next to the line, explain how it’s dramatic irony. IF you finish before the end of the period, you may read your IRA novel, or work silently on other homework.