1. A Guide to Creating a Successful Response Journal
Romeo and Juliet
A Guide to Creating a Successful Response Journal

2. Response journal guidelines
Each entry must be numbered and titled with what the particular assignment is.
You MUST thoroughly answer EACH part of the writing prompt or prompts.
Spelling and grammar will not be graded; however, you are expected to present your entries in a formal, academic way. i.e. use proper vocabulary, legible writing, and intelligible thoughts and sentences.
Each entry must be at least 6 sentences in length (unless otherwise stated).
All entries MUST BE your original work. If you plagiarize from any source (or copy from any classmate), your entry will be given a ZERO.
As with all outcomes in life, YOU GET WHAT YOU GIVE. If you put in minimal effort, you will get a minimal grade. Remember, this is going to be roughly 20% of your final grade for the fourth quarter!

3. Journal response 1 Three Questions: Act 1, Scene 1
First impression of the play
What did the Prince threaten them with?
What’s your opinion of Romeo?

4. Journal entry 2 and 3
Journal 2
Summary of all of the Act 1.
Journal 3
Act 1 questions 1-6 from textbook pg. 754

5. Journal prompt 4
Journal Entry 4-- Watch the accompanying video and answer the following questions.
1. Compare and contrast at least three of the balcony scenes featured in the video. What is similar about them? What is different? Which one did you like the best? Why? Which did you like the least? Why?
2. What exactly does Juliet mean when she says, "What's Montague? It is not hand, nor foot, nor arm, nor face, nor any other part Belonging to a man....What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. So Romeo would, were he not Romeo called, Retain that dear perfection which he owes." Why is she expressing this?
3. What does Juliet wish about Romeo? Why does she wish for this?
4. What does Romeo mean when he says, “My name, dear saint, is hateful to myself Because it is an enemy to thee. Had I it written, I would tear the word.” Why does he say this?
5. Which is your favorite scene? Why?

6. Journal entry 5 and 6 Journal 5:
Do you think it was wise for the Nurse and Friar Lawrence to help Romeo and Juliet get married? Why or why not?
List two moments of foreshadowing that are presented by Friar Lawrence. Explain how this is foreshadowing.
Why do you think Romeo and Juliet are in such a hurry to marry? Should they have been in such a hurry?
(at least six sentences in total, at least 2 sentences for each bullet point).
Journal 6:
*Answer questions 1-5 on page 780*

7. Journal entry 7
Do you think Romeo was justified in killing Tybalt? What would have you done if you were in his position? (2 sentences)
If you were Juliet, how would you react to the news that your husband murdered your cousin? (2-3 sentences) Is there anything your significant other would do that would make you stop loving them? (this should does not include infidelity AKA cheating).
Do you think Romeo’s punishment, exile, is fair? Why or why not? (2 Sentences)
What did you find most shocking about Act III, Scene I? What did you find shocking about it?

8. Journal entry 8
An important skill in English is being able to find quotes are important to the overall theme(s) and plot of the story. In order to tell if a quotes is “important” consider whether or not you would use it as an example to prove to someone that one of the themes is “forbidden love” or “the violent nature of love” etc. Also, would this quote be beneficial to someone to help them understand the plot of the play.
For this entry, you are required to look up 6 quotes (2 from Act 1, 2 from Act 2, and 2 from Act 3) that you feel are important to the play’s plot and theme(s).
Write down the quote (no more than a sentence or 2) write Act number, Scene number, and provide the line and page number where we can find the quote.
You must also provide a sentence or 2 reflecting on the importance of the quote . Why did you choose it? What does it mean?

9. Journal 9 (2 slides) Questions 1-11
Answer the following questions in your journal. You must use complete sentences and textual evidence to support your responses. Each answer should be approximately (roughly) a sentence in length.
What is Juliet anxious for at the beginning of Scene ii?
What does Juliet think the nurse is telling her when she first comes in?
Who is Juliet more loyal to? Her husband or her family.
Scene iii
4. How does Romeo react to his banishment?
5. Why does Friar Lawrence say Romeo is acting “womanish?”
6. What is established in scene iv? What is the purpose of this?
7. In Juliet’s last scene with Romeo, scene v, what does she predict?

10. Journal 9 continued…
8. How does Juliet react when she is told that she is to marry Paris? 9. How does her father react when she does not agree to marry Paris? 10. What do you think Juliet will do when she goes to see Friar Lawrence? Do you think he will be able to help her? 11. In Shakespeare’s plays, Act III usually contains one or more deaths and many unfortunate circumstances. Make a list of the all unfortunate happenings in Act III.

11. Journal 10
Do you think Juliet is making the right decision by consulting Friar Lawrence? Why or why not?
If you were Juliet, what would you do in this situation? Honestly.
Do you think Lord and Lady Capulet should have any say over their daughter should marry? Why or why not?