HAILEE STEINFELD DOUGLAS BOOTH
© ATOM 2013 A STUDY GUIDE BY FIONA HALL
http://www.metromagazine.com.au
ISBN: 978-1-74295-388-5 http://www.theeducationshop.com.au Overview He is impetuous and emotional, ruled by his heart. She is a thoughtful ingénue, new to romance. They are madly in love. Their families – bitter enemies – would disapprove if they knew. His name is Romeo and hers is Juliet. Their passion must stay shrouded in secrecy and they must sneak and scheme to find a way to be together against the odds of their families’ ancient grudge and fate itself. Sometime between 1591 and 1595, William Shakespeare wrote what would become one of his most celebrated and beloved plays – Romeo and Juliet. This tragic tale of ‘a pair of star-cross’d lovers’ has captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences ever since.
For me, Romeo and Juliet is an exploration interested in bantering with her nurse than listening of what it is to be in love for the first time. to her parents. It is a timeless story, and it has never been equalled in any language. Producer Ileen At the ball, Romeo forgets his feelings for Rosaline Maisel and I wanted to give the modern when he instantly falls for Juliet. She is likewise audience a traditional, romantic version affected when she first sees Romeo. They dance of the story, complete with medieval briefly and steal a few moments alone but Romeo costumes, balconies, and duels, but we cannot stay long. Juliet’s cousin, Tybalt, has also wanted to make it immediate and noticed his presence and begs Lord Capulet to let him avenge the insult, but to no avail. As they part, accessible and new. Romeo and Juliet each learn that their new love – Julian Fellowes, Producer is the child of the rival family. Undaunted, Romeo spies Juliet on her balcony and boldly declares his love for her. Detailed Overview With the help of Friar Laurence, Romeo conspires The families of Montague and Capulet use any ex- a way to pursue Juliet without incurring the wrath cuse to publicly fight in the streets of Verona, draw- of his family, while Juliet relies on her nurse to ing a strict rebuke from the Prince. Young Romeo discreetly deliver messages to her love. But the of the Montagues is not interested – he is far too in bad blood between the two families is too strong: love with Rosaline, a cousin to the Capulets. It is a in a street duel, an angry Tybalt slays Romeo’s SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2013 romance which his cousin Benvolio urges him not beloved kinsman, Mercutio. Romeo, his passions to pursue, but that night, there is to be a masked unchecked, then kills Tybalt. Hoping to put an end celebration at the Capulet estate and Romeo man- to the blood feud, the Prince banishes Romeo from ages to secure an invitation. The Capulet house- Verona – but this is worse than death, because he hold prepares for the event, where Lord and Lady will forever be separated from Juliet. As the lovers Capulet hope that their daughter Juliet will accept grow more desperate, Friar Laurence hatches a the advances of young Count Paris. A free spirit, plan that will allow them to be together forever – little interested in romance, Juliet seems more but perhaps not in the way that he intended. 2 CURRICULUM LINKS Romeo & Juliet can be studied as part of English, Pre-viewing as either a film-as-text, or as a supplement when reading the play. It is most suited to Middle- Activities School English (Levels 9 and 10): There are a number of pre-viewing activities teach- Level 9 English Content Descriptions particularly ers can undertake before watching the film Romeo applicable to a study of Romeo and Juliet: & Juliet. These include (but are not limited to): Reading and viewing - Who was William Shakespeare? LANGUAGE - Life in Elizabethan England 1 Understand that authors innovate with text - Shakespeare's Language structures and language for specific purposes and effects (ACELA1553) 2 Compare and contrast the use of cohesive Who was William devices in texts, focusing on how they serve Shakespeare? to signpost ideas, to make connections and 1 to build semantic associations between ideas (ACELA1770) Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon 3 Investigate how evaluation can be expressed in 1564 and died in 1613 (aged 49). As he was a directly and indirectly using devices, for common man (and not a king or lord), little was example allusion, evocative vocabulary and recorded of his life at the time. He was a famous metaphor (ACELA1552) playwright, however, he was perhaps no more famous than other playwrights in London such as LITERATURE Ben Jonson and Christopher Marlowe. It was only 1 Interpret and compare how representations of some 50 years after his death that effort was made people and culture in literary texts are drawn to find out and record the details of his life. from different historical, social and cultural contexts (ACELT1633) Shakespeare timeline 2 Present an argument about a literary text based on initial impressions and subsequent analysis 1564 It is estimated that he was born on 23 April of the whole text (ACELT1771) 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon in England. He 3 Explore and reflect on personal understanding was baptised three days later on 26 April. of the world and significant human William’s father John was a glove maker and experience gained from interpreting various was involved in other business activities as representations of life matters in texts well as being a member of the town council. (ACELT1635) His father and mother (Anne) were possibly both illiterate (as was common for members CURRICULUM FRAMING not of the elite classes to be at that time). QUESTIONS Shakespeare was John and Anne’s third child; he had seven brothers and sisters, but Before you begin a study of this Romeo & Juliet, only five of them survived to adulthood. present students with the following broad ‘Curriculum Framing Questions’. You may choose to discuss these before and after the film, noting any changes in students’ views of them: - Why are Shakespearean texts still studied today? - What role do imagery and poetry play in this text? - What role do parents play in determining our future?
- What role does fate play in our lives? SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2013 - Why is it important to carefully consider courses of action rather than acting impulsively? - Does prejudice impact our lives today? - Are family feuds just a thing of the past?
3 1571 At the age of seven, it is believed that Shakespeare attended the King’s New Grammar School in Stratford. His school days would have stared at six in the morning and ended at five in the evening (Monday to Saturday!). School life would have been very strict and students were physically punished for misbehaving or showing any signs of laziness. 1578 It is believed he left school aged fourteen or fifteen. 1582 At age eighteen, he married 26-year-old Anne Hathaway. They had three children, Susana and twins Judith and Hamnet (Hamnet died when he was eleven years old). 1590 There are no clear records of what Shakespeare did in his early twenties. It is possible that he joined one of the travelling companies of actors that toured England during this time. We do know, however, that by the early 1590s he was a popular playwright in London. During the 1590s Shakespeare wrote a number of poems and many of his most popular plays, including Richard III, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet, The Merchant of Venice and Julius Caesar. He also acted in some of his own plays and those of other playwrights. Life in Elizabethan 1594 In 1594 he invested in the acting company England ‘The Lord Chamberlain’s Men’ of which he 2 was a member. He became part-owner and shared in the company’s profits. Shakespeare first came to London some time be- 1596 He obtained a coat of arms for his father, tween 1585 and 1592. The city had a population of which meant that he would be officially re- 200,000 and was rapidly expanding. England at the garded as a ‘gentleman’. time was ruled by a monarch, Elizabeth I; she was 1597 He bought ‘New Place’, the second largest very popular with the people and was a supporter house in Stratford-upon-Avon. of literature and the arts. 1600 The first decade of the 1600s was Shakespeare’s most productive time. He This period in history is often described as the wrote most of his greatest plays, including English Renaissance because it was a time of Hamlet, Othello, Macbeth and King Lear. great advances in science and also achievements 1603 ‘The Lord Chamberlain’s Men’ became ‘The in art. London had a thriving theatre life – perhaps King’s Men’ and regularly performed at Court if Shakespeare had arrived in the city at a differ- before King James. ent time, he may never have become the famous 1610 Around this time, Shakespeare bought more playwright we know him as today. properties around London and the Stratford area and became very wealthy. • Create a poster about life in Elizabethan 1613 He returned to Stratford-upon-Avon, but still London. Include the following areas: travelled to London to tend to his business - Elizabeth I's rule interests. - Daily life (include reference to the 'gentle' 1616 He died on his fifty-second birthday (23 April and the 'base' population)
1616) and was buried at Holy Trinity Church - Religion SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2013 in Stratford.1 - Superstitions - Theatres • Some sites to help start your research include: • Using the above time line and further research, http://elizabethan.org/compendium/27.html complete a biography of Shakespeare. Sites to http://www.shakespeare-online.com/biography/ use for research include: londonlife.html http://www.biography.com/people/ http://www.william-shakespeare.info/ william-shakespeare-9480323 elizabethan-theaters.htm http://www.folger.edu/template.cfm?cid=866 4 CHARACTER LIST
THE MONTAGUES THE CAPULETS
MONTAGUE – Head of the CAPULET – Head of Montague House the Capulet House
LADY MONTAGUE – The LADY CAPULET – The wife of Montague and wife of Capulet and Romeo’s mother mother of Juliet
ROMEO – The Montagues’ JULIET – The Capulets’ son daughter
BENVOLIO – The nephew TYBALT – Nephew of Montague, Romeo’s of the Capulets and cousin and friend a fierce enemy of the Montagues
NURSE – A servant of the Capulet household who has been Juliet’s nurse since her birth Shakespeare’s Language OTHER CHARACTERS PRINCE ESCALUS – The PARIS – A young Prince of Verona, he nobleman, and a 3 Shakespeare’s lines are packed with puns, wants to restore peace to relative of the Prince, metaphors and ironies; he often uses difficult the city who wants to marry sounding words and phrases, many of which have Juliet shifted in their original meaning or ceased to be A close A used in everyday life. MERCUTIO – FRIAR LAURENCE – friend of Romeo and priest from whom Benvolio Romeo and Juliet seek You will notice in Romeo & Juliet that certain char- advice acters (namely Romeo and Juliet) often speak their thoughts aloud when they are alone. This common theatrical device is known as a soliloquy and allows the audience to gain important insights into the character’s thoughts, fears and motives. Viewing Activities It is important to enjoy Shakespeare without get- ting too bogged down on having to understand Students can take notes as they view in every word. Here are some examples of commonly order to help them complete the following used words in Romeo & Juliet and their definitions: tasks. For the purposes of later study, the scenes are broken into the same broad Acts Word and definition as the original play:
AY...... Yes ACT 1 BESEECH...... Beg or request forcefully CHIDE...... To tell off or criticise The action opens in the courtyard of a medieval CIVIL...... Public palace. Everyone is there to witness a Tournament HASTE...... Great speed of the Ring, where skill determines the winner. HENCE...... Away from here HIE...... Hurry 1 How are music and camera angles used to cre- THOU/THY...... You/Your ate tension during these opening scenes? ANON...... Soon, shortly 2 A voice-over delivers the Prologue:
WHEREFORE....Why Two households, both alike in dignity, SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2013 YONDER...... Over there In fair Verona, where we lay our scene … From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean • While viewing the film, you may want to note From forth the fatal loins of these two foes, down any other unfamiliar terms or phrases A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life, and ask you teacher to help you find out the Whose misadventured piteous overthrows definitions. Will, with their death, bury their parents’ strife. List three things that you think will happen in 5 party at the Capulet’s House. So Rosaline sups with Capulet this night. Do but compare her face with some I know. And I will make you think your swan a crow. – Benvolio the film after hearing the Prologue. ‘But should As if there could be fairer than my love! 3 From the Prologue, we learn that Romeo and we enter? I’ll go tonight but only to rejoice, Juliet will die. Why do you think Shakespeare And worship at the glory of my choice. chose to give away the ending like this? I start to – Romeo 4 Who wins the Tournament of the Ring – Tybalt For what different reasons are Benvolio and or Mercutio? fear some Romeo attending the party? 5 Following the tournament there is a quarrel conse- 13 In Juliet’s chamber we learn of Lady Capulet in the market place. What do we learn about and the Nurse’s differing views on Juliet’s readi- Tybalt and Benvolio from their different reac- quence yet ness for marriage – what are they? tions to this quarrel? hanging in 14 How does Juliet react to the news that Count 6 What does the Prince say will the consequenc- Paris wants her for his wife? es will be for anyone who ‘disturbs our town the stars 15 As they are about to enter the party that night, again’? Romeo hesitates, stating; 7 When we meet Romeo he is sculpting. Why has Shall bit- But should we enter? Lady Montague sent Benvolio to talk to him? terly begin I start to fear some consequence yet hanging in 8 We learn that the cause of Romeo’s moodiness the stars is his unrequited love for Rosaline. What does this fearful Shall bitterly begin this fearful date. the phrase ‘unrequited love’ mean? date.’ What does he mean by this and how is this an 9 Love will not call on you but once, example of foreshadowing? Nor stay forever when he comes. 16 From the moment he spots Juliet, Romeo Release your eyes. Be glad she does not care. is instantly in love. Benvolio asks him ‘But Examine other beauties what of your old love, Rosaline?’, to which Benvolio offers this advice to Romeo about his feelings for Rosaline. What is he try- ing to say and what does this indicate about Benvolio’s attitude to love? 10 At the Capulet’s House, Paris has asked for permission to marry Juliet. Lord Capulet replies; My child is still a stranger to the world, Let two more summers wither in their pride, Before we judge her ripe to be a wife. What does he mean by this?
11 Lord Capulet tells Paris; SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2013 Juliet is my only living child. The earth has swallowed all my hopes but she What does he mean by this? What does this indicate about his love for Juliet as a father? 12 Romeo and Benvolio intercept Capulet’s servant Peter and learn about the masked 6 Romeo replies; Did my heart love ’til now? Forswear the thought! I never saw true beauty till this night. In light of his his feelings towards Rosaline up until now, is this response surprising? What are we learning about Romeo’s nature? 17 What is Tybalt’s reaction to Romeo’s pres- ence and how does Lord Capulet react? 18 Romeo and Juliet both fall instantly in love. Upon learning of each other’s identity at the end of the scene, they are equally devastated; Oh, my dear God. My life is my foe’s debt – Romeo My only love sprung from my only hate! Too early seen unknown, and known too late! Prodigious birth of love it is to me, That I must love a loathed enemy. – Juliet Explain what each of these statements mean. ‘Oh, Refer to Act 2 Scene 2 from the original play Romeo, and highlight other well known lines. ACT 2 20 What is Juliet saying in the following lines? Romeo, What does it indicate about her thoughts re- 19 Romeo and Juliet’s balcony scene contains the garding the the feud between the Capulets and most famous lines in the play, such as; wherefore the Montagues? But soft! What light through yonder window art thou, You’d be yourself, if you were not called breaks? Montague It is the east, and Juliet is the sun. Romeo?’ What’s in a name? That which we call a rose – Romeo – Juliet By any other name would smell as sweet Oh, Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou, 21 How are music, camera angles and lighting Romeo? used to create a sense of the following in the – Juliet balcony scene; fear and danger for Romeo, love and hope for the new couple? 22 What is Friar Laurence’s motives for marry- ing Romeo and Juliet? Do you agree with his TABLE 1 decision? 23 At the start of the scene, Friar Laurence is dis- Negative quality CHARACTERS WHO SHOW THIS QUALITY cussing the contrasting qualities of a flower as Anger/bitterness being analogous to human nature; So varied are the qualities we find … All that brings health and life may also kill. All that is dark and fatal can and will contribute Impatience/ to our pleasures impulsiveness What negative and positive qualities have you observed in characters up until this point in the film? Compile your observations inTABLE 1. Other? 24 Tybalt delivers a challenge to a duel to Romeo. Why does Mercutio believe Romeo will not be able to win? Positive quality CHARACTERS WHO SHOW THIS QUALITY 25 Nurse arrives to talk to Romeo. She warns him of his treatment of Juliet; Care/concern If you should deal double with her, You will have
me to answer to. SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2013 What does she mean by this and what does Love this indicate about her relationship with Juliet? 26 Romeo informs Nurse to bring Juliet to Friar Laurence’s cell to make confession. What is the real plan when she arrives? Other? 27 Why do you think Nurse takes so long to tell Juliet the news from Romeo? 28 We see Juliet writing in her diary at the start of 7 And softened me into a coward! – Romeo What does Romeo mean by this? How does his character change directly after Mercutio’s death? 34 What cinematic devices are used to make the death scenes of Mercutio and Tybalt powerful and emotive? Consider music, camera angles and lighting. 35 When deciding his verdict the Prince muses; Romeo killed Tybalt. Tybalt killed Mercutio. Who is the guilty man in all this grief? Who do you think is the ‘guilty man in all this grief’? 36 What punishment does the Prince decide for Romeo? Do you agree with this decision? 37 Romeo rushes to see Friar Laurence, who this scene. Write a series of diary entries from ‘Down accuses him of being ‘unthankful’. For what Juliet, detailing the following: things does Friar Laurence say Romeo should - Her feelings prior to the masked ball know- with the be grateful for? ing that her marriage to Paris has been Montagues 38 Friar Laurence tells Romeo is to flee to Mantua planned. and wait until he can seemingly smooth things - Meeting Romeo and falling in love. and over. Before he leaves, however, he will spend - Discovering Romeo’s identity Capulets! one last night with Juliet. Back at the Capulet - The balcony visit from Romeo house, Lord Capulet has decided to rush - Your feelings about your impending secret Whose Juliet’s marriage to Paris; marriage to Romeo angry war Do you want legal offspring from our loins? - Your hopes and fears for your future and the With Tybalt dead and all our line at risk? feud between the two families has stolen For Juliet is the only living course, Through 29 As Friar Laurence prepare to marry Romeo and all my days. which our blood can flow. Juliet, he comments; What does Lord Capulet mean by this? I pray the heavens smile upon this act, A plague 39 How do Romeo and Juliet feel about parting And do not punish us with later sorrow. after their night together? Can you recall any How is this again an example of on both quotes to illustrate these feelings? ‘foreshadowing’? your 40 How does Lord Capulet respond to Juliet’s 30 Friar Laurence cautions Romeo and Juliet to reluctance to marry Paris? What is his threat to take things slowly; houses!’ Juliet if she fails to go through with the ceremo- These violent passions can have violent ends … ny? Why do you think he reacts this way? Therefore be moderate. Long-lasting love must – Mercutio 41 The Nurse now advises Juliet to marry Paris. be. Love too fast can prove falser than love too slow. Do you feel Romeo and Juliet are acting hastily? Do you feel Friar Laurence is in a position to caution them given his role in their marriage?
ACT 3
31 Romeo hears there is trouble brewing with Tybalt. A quarrel erupts on Castelvecchio Bridge. How do Romeo, Benvolio, Mercutio and Tybalt each approach the potential conflict
at the start? SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2013 32 Consider Mercutio’s dying words; Down with the Montagues and Capulets! Whose angry war has stolen all my days. A plague on both your houses! What does he mean by this and again, how is this an example of foreshadowing? 33 Oh sweet Juliet, Your beauty has rendered me effeminate, 8 Why do you think she has changed her stance? What does this indicate about the Nurse’s character? 42 In response to her advice, Juliet states; Old and corrupt, you wicked, wicked friend! You would offend my husband and my God? Make me at once twice damned and twice foresworn? Go from my life, our trust is at an end. The Friar, alone, shall be my comfort now. Explain what Juliet means, line-by-line. Why do you think she is so angry with the Nurse? Do you think her feelings are justified?
ACT 4 ‘For never 43 Juliet visits Friar Laurence, who outlines his was a story in the affair and his supposed standing as a plan for her and Romeo’s reunion. Complete priest? TABLE 2 outlining each stage of his plan and of more 47 As Friar Laurence’s novice travels to Mantua to the potential for risk at each stage. woe deliver Romeo news of the plan, he is delayed. 44 Can you think of an alternative solution to What happens to delay him? Juliet’s problem? Provide details. Than this 48 Benvolio makes it to Mantua before the novice 45 Is Juliet convincing in pretending her parents and informs Romeo of Juliet’s apparent death. she is prepared to marry Paris? of Juliet How do the film-makers build up the dramatic 46 Consider Friar Laurence’s presence during and her tension during these scenes? the Capulet’s grief as they believe Juliet to be 49 What does Romeo decide to do upon hearing dead. How do you feel about him as a person Romeo.’ news of Juliet’s death? during this scene, especially given his role – Prince 50 What is the outcome of the confrontation between Paris and Romeo outside the Capulet TABLE 2 Escalus tomb? 51 Create a dot-point flow chart of what happens ACTION POTENTIAL RISKS from the time Romeo enters the Capulet tomb. 52 Upon Romeo’s death, the Friar laments to Juliet drinks the poison The poison may not work. It may make Juliet Juliet; and pretends to be dead. dangerously ill. It may actually kill her Alas, my lady, we are overturned. A greater power than we can contradict Has thwarted all our plans How is he attempting to console her? Do you think it is valid that he refers to them as ‘our’ plans? Think back to Juliet’s statement; ‘The Friar, alone, shall be my comfort now’. Do you think he has provided her with this? 53 The sun, for sorrow, will not show his head. And join with all in grieving for the dead. For never was a story of more woe Than this of Juliet and her Romeo. – Prince Escalus
How do the deaths of Romeo and Juliet affect SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2013 their families and the town of Verona? Do you think the reconciliation between the Capulets and Montagues is believable? Explain.
9 ITEM 1
THE CORONER’S COURT OF VERONA Chief Coroner’s Report into the deaths of Romeo Post-Viewing Montague and Juliet Capulet (and associated deaths of Activities Mercutio, Tybalt and Paris) While it may be popular belief that there has ‘never been a tale of more woe than that of Juliet and her Romeo’ the facts of the matter are less The following activities include a range subjective. Over a period of three nights and three days, one Romeo of creative, analytical, reflective and oral Montague and one Juliet Capulet met, fell in love, were married, spent responses. You will find there is a certain their wedding night together and then took their own lives. In between all degree of overlap in the tasks; as such, you of this, the aforementioned Montague boy was present during the killing should select the ones most suited to your of known friend Mercutio and was apparently responsible for the revenge students. killing of Tybalt and the subsequent killing of rival Juliet-suitor Paris. THE CORONER’S REPORT The purpose of this investigation is to establish the reasons why these deaths occurred and to either prove or disprove the belief that these fledgling Task: As Verona’s chief coroner, you have been as- lovers were the victims of ‘fortune’. signed the important task of producing a coroner’s The Case in Favour of Fate: report for the Prince in order to establish what led to the recent deaths that have plagued the The following evidence and arguments have been used to suggest that the houses of Capulet and Montague and ‘disturbed young lovers were the victims of fate (as were those who also perished): the peace’ of your city. There have been mutter- ings about town that the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet was fated, while others are adamant that the untimely deaths of Romeo, Juliet, Mercutio, Tybalt, and Paris can all be clearly attributed to human nature and poor decision-making rather than ‘the stars’.
You need to gather as much evidence as you can from the film to explain what happened andwhy it happened. You will need to consider to what extent The Case Against Fate: the two lovers contributed to their own demise and that of the other characters; and to what extent The following points can also be made to suggest that the dead youths have forces out of their control determined their fate. only themselves and human nature to blame for the their untimely deaths:
• Provide students with the following sample Introduction and structure guide, SEE ITEM 1, to help them with this task.
Freeze Frames
There are several alternatives for this task:
1 Divide the class into five groups. Randomly (Use the following paragraph to decide which viewpoint you favour, or allocate one of the five Act Summaries to each you could suggest that the tragedy was a combination of fate and human group and give them 20 minutes to devise a nature) single ‘frozen’ pose that presents the most To conclude this report, it is clear that … important action of their specific act. Each student in the group must be involved in the
‘freeze frame’. When all groups are ready, have SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2013 them arrange themselves in order and call out ‘Act 1’, with each successive group posing their ‘freeze frame’ in order. 2 Divide the class into five groups and allocate each of the five Act Summaries to each group. Each group then devises a single ‘frozen’ pose that presents the action of each Act. When it comes time to perform, each group presents 10 to marry that next day. Romeo rushes to Friar Laurence to arrange a secret wedding, and passes news of these details to Juliet through her nurse. We see them married in Friar Laurence’s cell.
ACT 3 Romeo hears that Tybalt has challenged him to a duel. He rushes to the Castelvecchio Bridge, where Mercutio and Tybalt are quarrelling. Mercutio is killed by Tybalt, and an enraged Romeo kills Tybalt. The Prince exiles Romeo from Verona; Romeo spends one last night with Juliet before leaving for Mantua. Juliet’s parents inform her that she is to marry Paris in two days; she refuses and argues with her parents.
ACT 4 Friar Laurence gives Juliet a vial of poison their five ‘freeze frames’ to the class. that will induce a death-like state to fool her 3 Divide the class into five groups and randomly family and thus prevent her marriage from allocate one of the five Act Summaries to Paris. She will, however, awake later in her each group. Each group devises a series of family tomb, where Romeo will be waiting ‘freeze frames’ (no more than five) to represent for her. Friar Laurence sends news of this the main action from their specific Act. They plan to Romeo via his novice. Juliet takes perform their freeze frames in front of the class, the poison and her nurse and family believe with students having to guess which Act they she is dead. are witnessing. • For each alternative, students must ensure ACT 5 Friar Laurence’s novice is delayed in deliv- they can explain what their 'freeze frame' ering his letter to Romeo. Benvolio reaches represents. Romeo first and believing Juliet to be truly dead, duly informs Romeo of this news. Act summaries for freeze frames: A heartbroken Romeo buys poison and returns to Verona to the Capulet tomb to ACT 1 We meet two rival families, the Montagues be reunited with Juliet in death. Outside the and the Capulets. The Prince of Verona tomb he encounters, and kills, Paris. Once is tired of their quarrelling and threatens at Juliet’s side, he kills himself; she awajes anyone who causes another brawl with and sees him dead; she too commits death. Romeo Montague is upset because suicide. The Montagues and Capulets are Rosaline, the woman he loves, is not inter- united in their grief and finally make peace. ested in him. Benvolio persuades Romeo to attend a masked ball at the Capulets’ house in the hope he will find someone else to shift his affections to. At the ball, Romeo instantly falls in love with Juliet, daugh- ter of the Capulets. Tybalt, Juliet’s cousin, spots Romeo at the party and plans to take revenge on him for attending.
ACT 2 After the masked ball, SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2013 Romeo sneaks into the Capulet house and hears Juliet declare her love for him on her balcony. He climbs up and the two talk of their undying love for each other; they decide 11 ITEM 2
ROMEO. He acted too hastily throughout the film. He shouldn’t have JULIET. She shouldn’t have deceived and disobeyed her parents. Like asked Juliet to marry him so suddenly, and he should have thought Romeo, she was too hasty in rushing into marriage. She was foolish for more carefully before rushing back to Verona after hearing of Juliet’s following the Friar’s plan to drink the vial of poison, thus staging her death. He also acted violently and without thinking when he killed own death. Tybalt and, later, Paris.
THE PRINCE. He should have acted earlier to stop the feud between LORD AND LADY CAPULET. They were partly responsible for keeping the two families. It was unjust of him to send Romeo away from Verona the feud going. They had authority over their household, and could as a punishment for killing Tybalt when the fight was Tybalt’s fault. have stopped the quarrelling if they wanted to. They should have paid more attention to Juliet’s wishes and listened to her opinions. They were too hard on her when she refused to marry Paris.
LORD AND LADY MONTAGUE. Like the Capulets, they were also FATE. The tragedy was not the fault of any one individual - it happened responsible for keeping the feud going. If they had been more because of bad luck. It was fate that Romeo and Juliet met and fell in understanding, Romeo would not have felt he had to keep secrets from love, and bad luck that the letter which could have saved them didn’t them. reach Romeo in time.
TYBALT. He started the fight that resulted in Romeo being banished, THE NURSE. She encouraged Juliet in her romantic ideas. She carried and he was always causing trouble. He, more than anyone else, kept messages, and helped the lovers to meet and get married secretly. She the hatred alive between the two families. should have let Juliet’s parents know what was going on. She advised Juliet to marry Paris, knowing she was already married to Romeo.
FRIAR LAWRENCE. He should never have agreed to marry Romeo and MERCUTIO. His attitude to quarrels and fighting made the situation Juliet in secret. He gave Juliet the poison, and he was responsible for worse. He saw the feud as a game and that led to his death and getting news of the plan to Romeo - the news never reached him, so Romeo’s banishment. Romeo thought Juliet was dead.
ONE YEAR ON ITEM 3
Write a newspaper article entitled ‘One Year On’, Romeo: in which a character reflects on their part in the tragedy and how they have dealt with the events. Choose one of the following: Juliet: - Lord Capulet - Lady Capulet - Friar Laurence - Benvolio - The Nurse Friar Lawrence:
CLASS DEBATE
Topic: ‘Romeo and Juliet are the only ones to The Nurse: blame for their own deaths.’
The Affirmative Team will agree with this statement and the Negative Team will disagree. Each team has three members, with each member speaking Lord and Lady Capulet: for no more than three minutes.
‘Who is to Blame?’: In groups, read and discuss the following character statements (SEE ITEM 2). Tybalt: Your task is to then cut them out and arrange the characters in order from ‘least to blame’ through to ‘most to blame’ (note: you may give some cards equal placing). You must be prepared to justify your SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2013 rankings to the class. Mercutio:
WORDS OF WISDOM
Imagine you could give each of the following char- Paris: acters some advice in order to prevent the tragic outcomes of the film. Write down your advice in each row of ITEM 3. 12 FILM REVIEW
• Write a film review for Romeo & Juliet. Use the following template to structure your review:
Film review template
HEADLINE: Include the title of the movie (try to use a pun!)
PARAGRAPH 1: Introduce the movie by stating that you’ve just seen it and PARAGRAPH 6: What group of people would like this would like to give an opinion about it. Mention movie? Who would you recommend it to? Who a couple of details that might help the reader would you not recommend it to? What’s the understand what type of movie you are talking rating of the movie (G, PG, M, R, etc.)? What is about. Ensure you mention it is a very faithful your final word on the film: Is it good or bad? adaptation of the play Romeo and Juliet, as this may appeal to fans of Shakespeare. RATING SYSTEM: Give the movie a score. You can do stars (*** out of *****), numbers (3 out of 5) or PARAGRAPH 2: Summarise the plot (story). Where something totally original! and when did it take place? Who are the main characters? What is the story about? Remember, do NOT include spoilers and do not You may like to read some film reviews to help you tell how the story ends! with your own. Check newspapers or visit this site: http://www.empireonline.com. PARAGRAPH 3: Talk about the actors/actresses and discuss who did a good job and who didn’t. CARLEI VS LUHRMANN
– A COMPARISON SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2013 PARAGRAPH 4: Talk about what you liked about the movie and what you didn’t like. Be sure to in- Baz Luhrmann released his modernised ver- clude specific details and scenes. Mention the sion of Romeo and Juliet in 1996, titled William soundtrack, lighting and camera angles. Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet. Carlo Carlei’s 2013 version, Romeo & Juliet, is a more faithful and PARAGRAPH 5: What lessons did you learn from this traditional interpretation of the original play. story (theme/moral)? What do you think others will learn from it? Your task is to view Luhrmann’s version and complete TABLE 3. 13 TABLE 3
Comment on how each film Luhrmann’s 1996 version, Carlei’s 2013 version, represents the following elements William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet Romeo & Juliet
ROMEO
JULIET
FRIAR LAURENCE
THE NURSE
MERCUTIO
TYBALT
THE CAPULETS
THE MASKED BALL
THE BALCONY SCENE
ROMEO AND JULIET’S LOVE
ROMEO AND JULIET’S DEATHS
LIGHTING
SOUNDTRACK
COSTUME
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS
ESSAY PROMPTS partly caused by the two lovers, but also by the failure of The Friar, The Nurse and Lord Capulet ‘O, I am Students can plan and complete any of the follow- to act responsibly.’ Discuss. fortune’s ing essay topics with reference to the film Romeo & 5 ‘Romeo and Juliet act impulsively; however it Juliet. Students must ensure they refer to specific is the adults in their lives who are ultimately fool!’ scenes and quotes from the film as evidence. responsible for the tragedy.’ Discuss.
6 To what extent is Romeo & Juliet a celebration SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2013 1 O, I am fortune’s fool! of love? Were Romeo and Juliet ‘star-crossed lovers’ or 7 How important is the role of the minor victims of human nature? Discuss. characters in Romeo & Juliet? 2 ‘Romeo and Juliet is much more than a love 8 Romeo and Juliet can blame no one but them- story.’ Discuss. selves for their untimely deaths. Do you agree? 3 ‘If Romeo was less impulsive, tragedy could have been avoided.’ To what extent is this true? 4 ‘The tragic deaths of Romeo and Juliet were 14 Violence
References: Websites: Books: http://www.biography.com/people/ S. Barnes & A. Coleman, Insight Shakespeare Series: william-shakespeare-9480323 Romeo & Juliet, Insight Publications, Melbourne, 2008. http://www.folger.edu/template.cfm?cid=866 http://elizabethan.org/compendium/27.html Article: http://www.shakespeare-online.com/biography/londonlife. Film as Text article by Anne Cranny-Francis html http://www.theeducationshop.com.au/shop/product. http://www.william-shakespeare.info/elizabethan-theaters. asp?pID=1884&cID=3 htm
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