Background The most recent filmed version of Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet directed by Baz Luhrmann attempts to link the language of the original play with modern-day themes such as violence in society, love in dangerous situations and the cult of personality. In making the film, Luhrmann has adopted a style which is completely ‘of’ the 90’s’ - action scenes, music, soundtrack etc. - but which blends with Shakespeare’s words.

Learning Intention Learning Intention for Unit How does Baz Lurhman use film techniques to create meaning in Romeo & Juliet Lesson Learning Intention: Students will understand the difference between themes, motifs & symbols which create meaning in movies

Before we look at the film itself, it is worth thinking about the words which are so often applied to ‘Romeo and Juliet’ - ‘tragic’ and ‘love story’.

What do you understand by a love story? Can you name any? Do they follow particular patterns What do you think are the conventions of’ a love story? What do you understand by the term tragic? Can you think of any stories or plays that you would call tragic? What are the conventions of a tragic love story?

Why R & J is STILL relevant Intensity and passion (young love which doesn’t last) Youth It has cultural relevance (we all know young people from different ethnic groups whose Parents want to either arrange a marriage, or prevent a relationship) The division and opposition of generations (the conflict between parents and children) Girls finding their independence and standing up for themselves Gang warfare Young people having to carry the burden of ancient quarrels Universal theme of love and passion

Theme, Symbols, and Motifs

Theme…What is it? Themes can be found everywhere: literature, art, stories, movies, etc….

Theme The main idea or message of a literary work. A universal truth A significant statement a story is making about society, human nature, or the human condition. Theme is not the subject of the work but instead is an insight about life or human nature. THEME = IDEA

Theme Stated Theme- expressed directly Implied Theme- revealed gradually through other literary elements such as plot, character, setting, point of view, imagery, figures of speech, or symbolism.

Example In Romeo & Juliet the common themes are Family Betrayal Love Vengeance Justice Loyalty Religion Fate

Theme…purpose? An understanding of theme is dependent upon one’s experience of life and literature… yet… Theme in literature can enlarge one’s understanding of life. The theme will never completely explain the story, but rather supports all of the other elements in the story.

Common themes in literature How justice and injustice are decided What it means to be a hero or antihero What it means to be a survivor An individual’s experience with alienation or despair What the future holds Love and hate and effects of

Symbolism The practice of representing things by means of symbols or of attributing symbolic meanings or significance to objects, events, or relationships. a person, place, thing, or idea that stands for something else. They are used deliberately to reinforce meaning. For example, a sword may be a sword and also symbolize justice. A symbol may be said to embody an idea.

Symbolism A symbol may have more than one meaning, or its meaning may change from the beginning to the end of a literary work. Personal: a meaning uniquely associated with our experiences Contextual: a private meaning created by an author Cultural: a meaning uniquely influenced by our culture (ex/ dogs represent faithfulness in China, but impurity in Indian/South Asian cultures Universal: a meaning that is given to a thing by most people and cultures (ex/ lions represent deity, power and courage in many cultures)

How many symbols can you associate these images with? (Don’t limit yourself to just objects. Think about shapes, colors, and parts of each image as well)

Motifs A recurring image, word, phrase, or action that tend to create unity within a literary work. Sometimes the motif helps to create the theme in literature A motif differs from a theme in that it can be expressed as a single word or fragmentary phrase, while a theme usually must be expressed as a complete sentence.

Motif Examples A recurring motif in George Orwell's "1984" is urban decay. Winston Smith's run-down home, London's crumbling buildings, and the overall disintigration of the city all support Orwell's theme of the miserable results of total government control.

Below is a short list of common literary motifs…there are sooo many more! ClothingSeasonsColors DeathSupernatural Adversaries Extraordinary AnimalsWishes Magical ObjectsMagical PowersDeep Sleeps WitchesTrickery Illness Consequences of Greed Flowers/plants Beautiful Princess Foolish or Dimwitted Hero

Water as a motif Luhrmann uses the motif of water to explore Romeo and Juliet’s growing romance.

Water as a motif The two lovers first glimpse each other through a fishbowl, an image that links up with the idea of water as both a refuge and a symbol of the impossibility of finding a place away from the glare of the outside world.

Water as a motif In the scene in the crypt, the shimmering candles cast a watery glow. It is as if the lovers are underwater

Handout – Motif & Symbols Watch the film