Romeo and Juliet Lesson 2

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 2

Romeo and Juliet - A Tragedy

It is not always easy to say whether a William Shakespeare play is a tragedy, comedy, or history, because Shakespeare blurred the boundaries between these genres. The plays can be generally classified into these three broad categories based on whether the main character dies or is bequeathed a happy ending and whether Shakespeare was writing about a real person. 

Lesson Goals

By the end of this lesson you will be able to 

• evaluate different characters’ responsibility for the tragedy in the play
• take part in a group discussion to reach an agreement about who is ultimately responsible.
  

INDIVIDUAL TASK

Read a summary of Romeo and Juliet on the following three slides. 

The police chief of Verona has decided that someone must be responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. He has asked you to decide who is responsible

Work in groups. Look at the characters. Make notes about why they could be responsible for Romeo and Juliet’s death. 

Activity

• Get into groups of four. 
• Using the worksheet, look at the different characters and make notes about why they might be responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. 
• Analyse the characters’ actions and their consequences.
• Tip: Look at the example in the table on the worksheet to help you.
  

• Your group have 10 minutes to make notes and to reach a conclusion as to who you think is responsible. 
• Choose one of the characters/groups of characters, or you can decide that no one is to blame, but you must justify your answers.
  
• Tip: Summary of the story can be read on the previous slides.

Here are some suggestions. if you need help:

The Montagues – Romeo’s parents were at war with the Capulets, so Romeo couldn’t be with Juliet.

Romeo’s friends – They decided to go to the Capulet’s party, which is where Romeo met Juliet. It was also dangerous.

Romeo’s best friend (his name is Mercutio in the play)???

The Capulets –???  Friar Lawrence ???? Romeo???? Juliet???? 

The Messenger ????

Once you have reached an agreement in your group:

• Make a new group them and discuss your answers with the new group. 
  
•  Now compare who you think is responsible and, again, give reasons.
  

Recap of Lesson Goals

You can:

evaluate different characters’ responsibility for the tragedy in the play

 take part in a group discussion to reach an agreement about who is ultimately responsible.

Lesson from the British Council adapted by Susan Corrigan 

Worksheet available at: https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/sites/teacheng/files/Romeo%20%26%20Juliet%20Student%20worksheet.pdf