1. Bellringer
Which character from Romeo & Juliet is your favorite so far in our study? Why?

2. Homework! Your character and motivation handout is due TOMORROW!
You can find it on pages of your purple guide book.
You may have to use the internet to access the text.
The following provides the original text along with a more modern translation:
Make sure you do your BEST on this assignment!

3. Romeo & Juliet Act 1 Scene 1
Video Analysis

4. I Can… View a film version of Act I.
9-10.RL.IKI.7 Evaluate the topic, subject, and/or theme in two diverse formats or media.
Take notes on how the director of the film Romeo + Juliet makes choices to portray characters and key events.
9-10.RL.CS.5 Analyze how an author’s choices concerning text structure, plot structure, and/or time manipulation create effects such as mystery, tension, or surprise.

5. What You Will Need for This Lesson
The “Different Artistic Mediums” handout on page 106 of your purple guide books
A writing utensil

6. The Assignment Purpose of this assignment:
Directions: Use the graphic organizer below to make notes about how the director portrays the characters in a film version of Act 1. Pay careful attention to the language, the sound effects, the physical elements (such as costumes and scenery), and camera angles in the film.
Purpose of this assignment:
Previously, we read Act I in class together. Today, we will watch the act so that you will understand the details of the plot when you read Act 2 in the coming week.

7. Let’s watch the film!
Stop the film at 34:40, which is when the identities of each Romeo and Juliet are revealed.
Students should watch silently, taking notes as they view the act.
Students may become confused about some of the differences in the play and the film at the very beginning of Act I. The Baz Lurhmann film version reverses some of the characters at the very beginning of Act I. The action begins with two sets of men—the Montagues and the Capulets—who encounter one another at a gas station. The Montagues are portrayed as fun-loving “beach” boys, while the Capulets are dressed darkly and are more formal. In the film, the Montagues are the instigators of the fray, but in the play the Capulet servants start the trouble.
Emphasize to students that these character discrepancies not minor, and the switches end with this short scene. The more important take-away for students is how petty and foolish the feud has become since considering even the minor characters are fighting to the degree that the entire city is affected.

8. Exit Ticket
Use your notes from the “Different Artistic Mediums” handout to answer the following prompt:
How do the depictions in the film affect your understanding of the characters and events in Act One?
Turn your writing in using the black and white baskets at the front of the room before you leave class today.
Students should be able to draw from their class notes to compose their short responses.
Students should understand that Baz Luhrmann is using modern costumes, music, and other elements (such as modern vehicles and guns) to help viewers understand the universality of the play’s themes.