Student ObjectivesStandards

Terms to KnowSetting

Characters

The Tragedy of

Romeo and Juliet

Student Objectives1. Identify and explain the elements of drama in

general, Greek and/or Shakespeare in particular.2. Explain the structure of the plot and describe the

dramatic techniques the playwright uses to advance the them.

3. Trace the development of major and minor characters and explain how characterization advances the plot or theme.

4. Understand Shakespeare’s definitions of comedy and tragedy and explain how the works studied exemplify the term “tragedy”.

5. Analyze the playwright’s use of irony, figurative language and tragic patterns.

6. Identify the poetic devices used in the play and explain their effect.

Standards Reading 9-10.3:Analyze how complex characters (those with conflicting

motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme.

Reading 9 – 10.5: Analyze how an author’s choices concerning how to structure a text, order events within it, and manipulate time to create tension or surprise.

Reading 9-10.9: Analyze how an author draws on and transforms source material in a specific work (how song writers treat the main theme in Romeo and Juliet)

Reading 9-10.1: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.

Writing 9-10.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization and analysis of content.

SL 9-10.1a-c: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grade 9 topics, tests and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.

1. Aside – words that are spoken by a character in a play to the audience or to another character but that are not supposed to be overheard by the others on stage.

2. Blank Verse – poetry written in unrhymed iambic pentameter.3. Chorus – played by a single actor who briefly summarizes the plot

of the play, welcomes the audience and gives them a taste of the story

4. Classical Allusions – reference to a statement, a person, a place, or an event from history, the Bible, and mythology.

5. Comedy – a story that ends happily.6. Dialogue – the conversation between characters in a story or play.7. Foil – character who is used as a contrast to another character.8. Heroic Couplet – two rhymed lines written in iambic pentameter9. Hubris- excessive pride or self-confidence; arrogance 10. Iambic Pentameter – line of poetry that contains 5 iambs (metrical

foot consisting of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable)

Terminology

11. Irony – Dramatic – when the audience or the reader knows something important that a character in a play or story does not know.

12. Irony – Situational – when there is a contrast between what would seem appropriate and what really happens.

13. Irony – Verbal – a writer or speaker says one thing but really means something completely different.

14. Monologue – a long speech by one character to one or more other characters

15. Prologue – introduction of the play to the audience16. Protagonist – main character in fiction or drama.17. Soliloquy – long speech in which a character who is onstage alone

expresses his or her thoughts aloud.18. Sonnets (Shakespearean)– 14 line lyric poem that is usually written in

iambic pentameter and that has a rhyme scheme of abab, cdcd, efef, gg19. Tragedy – play that depicts serious and important events in which the

main character comes to an unhappy end20. Tragic Hero – central character, noble figure who has a personal failing

that leads to his or her downfall

Terminology continued…

Social Hierarchy of the timeQueen/King [royalty]

Church >5% of the population

but 95% moneyNobles [land owners]

Artisans [middle class]

Apprentices/Indentured servants > 95%

of the population but Common Laborers5% money

All of Shakespeare’s plays have 5 acts Act I-Exposition *tone, setting, characters, Prologue, servants fight, Verona/ 1300’s Main characters: R, J, M, B, P, T Montagues vs. capulets , Romeo depressed – Rosaline Paris wants to marry J Capulet party Prince’s warning R & J meet at Cap party)

Act II-Rising Action *series of complications for main character(s), builds suspense

Act III- Climax *Biggest moment for main character(s), turning point in play (Tybalt kills Mercutio, R kills Tybalt, R banished, R & J spend wedding night together, Cap arranges wedding to Paris on Thurs, J & Cap fight)

Act IV-Falling Action *Action winds down but maintains suspense (Friar gives plan to J, Cap moves wedding up a day, (Balcony scene, Tybalt writes R letter-fight, R & J marry)

J takes potion, J’s funeral)

Act V- Resolution

Plot Triangle/Diagram

1. Aside

2. Blank Verse

3. Chorus

4. Classical Allusions

5. Comedy

a. words that are spoken by a

character in a play to the audience or to another character but that are not supposed to be overheard by the others on stage.

b. a story that ends happily.

c. a single actor who briefly summarizes the plot of the play, welcomes the audience and gives them a taste of the story

d. poetry written in unrhymed iambic pentameter.

e. reference to a statement, a person, a place, or an event from history, the Bible, and mythology

Terminology Practice

1. Dialogue a. character who is used as a contrast to another

character.2. Foil b. line of poetry that contains

5 iambs3. Heroic Couplet c. excessive pride or self-

confidence; arrogance 4. Hubris d. the conversation

between characters in a story or play.

5. Iambic Pentameter e. two rhymed lines written in iambic pentameter

Terminology Practice

The Tragic PatternElement 2- The Tragic Flaw or Virtue

Hubris – ‘pride’, an excess of will – a character defect that reflects the hero’s belief that rules do not apply to him.

Tragic Virtue(flaw): This is the BEST quality/characteristic of the hero that runs to excess. Under other more favorable conditions this quality would be considered desirable, but due to external circumstances cause their eventual undoing.

Hamartia - an ‘error in judgment’ or a mistake– the “missing the mark”. A deficiency in knowledge – an intellectual defect which leads to his or her downfall.

Example- Macbeth is a man of action, bloody action. On the battle field this is his

best quality – his tragic virtue. However, when he is in the political arena, this bloody action is misapplied – will bring his downfall. It turns into obsession with power. He is willfully self-assertive and his hubris blinds him. He fails to anticipate the full consequences of his actions, fatal miscalculations about reality – he has missed the mark.

However, most great tragedies defy such simple explanations.

The Tragic PatternElement 3- The Tragic “Story”

1. Plot The tragic story leads up to, and includes, the death of the hero. The suffering and calamities that befalls the hero are unusual and exceptionally

disastrous

2. Explanation of the Calamity-  The suffering befalls to a conspicuous person. The suffering is itself of a striking kind. The suffering, as a rule, is unexpected. The suffering, as a rule, contrasts with previous happiness and/or glory

3. Tragedy, Human Flaws, and Responsibility The calamities of a tragedy do not simply happen, nor are they sent. The calamities of tragedy proceed mainly from actions, and those, the action of men.

Shakespeare’s tragic heroes are responsible for the calamity of their falls. The center of the tragedy, therefore, lies in the action issuing from the character, of flawed perceptions, and human frailty for which the hero is ultimately responsible. The hero recognizes his own responsibility for the calamity too late to prevent his own death.

The Tragic PatternElement 4- The Abnormal, The Supernatural, Fate/Fortune/Chance

1. Shakespeare often presents abnormal conditions of mind: insanity, hallucinations etc. The abnormal conditions of the mind are never introduced as the origin of any

deeds of any dramatic moment.

2. Shakespeare also introduces the supernatural: ghosts and witches who have supernatural knowledge. The supernatural elements cannot be explained away as an illusion in the mind of

one of the characters. It does contribute to the action, but it is always placed in the closest relation with

the character. It gives a confirmation and a distinct form to inward movements already present and exerting an influence: to the half-formed thought or the memory of guilt or suspicion.

3. Shakespeare, in most tragedies, allows “chance” in some form to influence the action. Finally, chance is a prominent feature in life. That men may start a course of events but can neither calculate nor control it, is a tragic fact. However, any large use of chance would weaken the sense of the casual connection of character, deed, and calamity.

The Tragic PatternElement 5-Tragic Conflicts The action of the protagonist/tragic hero is most often motivated by external and

internal conflicts, which lead to complications from which further conflicts arise- all in a kind of snowballing effect, driving the action toward a tragic resolution.

1. External Conflict Usually, there are two persons, of whom the hero is one, Example- Two Parties or Groups, one of which the hero leads Example- The passions, tendencies, ideas, principles, forces, which animate these

persons or groups

2. Internal Conflict Shakespeare’s tragic hero, though he pursues his fated way, is, at some point, torn

by an inward struggle. A comparison of the earlier and later tragedies show this struggle is most

emphasized in the later tragedies. The conception of outer and inner struggle includes the action of “spiritual forces.” The “spiritual forces” generating the internal turmoil for the hero is the

combination of the pressures of the external and internal struggles or conflicts.

The Tragic PatternElement 6- Tragic Structure in the Plays Defined: tragedy is a work in which a strong but imperfect hero is engaged in a losing struggle

with the overpowering forces of life. All genuine tragedies arouse pity and fear in an audience: PITY, because the audience feels sorry for the tragic characters and hates to see them suffer; and FEAR, because the viewers realize that, if circumstances were different, they, too, could be caught up in a web of tragic events.

As a Shakespearean tragedy represents a conflict which ends in calamity, any such tragedy can be divided into five/six parts.

Exposition- This is usually all or most of Act One. The exposition introduces the characters, their positions and circumstances. Shakespeare usually begins a play with a short scene, often full of activity. Then, having captured our attention, he proceeds to conversations that provide a lot of information, accompanied by little action. The characters often talk about the central character before he or she appears.

Complications/Rising Actions- Introduces the conflict and builds tension (usually Act II). This portion of the play focuses on the hero and his decisions or lack thereof. There is hope at this point.

Crisis- The conflict reaches a turning point. At this point the opposing forces in the story meet and the conflict becomes most intense. The crisis occurs before or at the same time as the climax. The Crisis is that moment when all seems lost. Nothing the hero has been doing has worked, and he's further from his goal than ever. This is the point where the hero has to regroup and rethink. Only if he digs deep and taps his inner resources will he find a strategy that works.

The Tragic Pattern Climax: the high point in the hero’s fortune. Here he meets with his first serious

defeat, after which his fortune is on the downgrade (usually Act III). The climax is the result of the crisis. It is the high point of the story for the reader. Frequently, it is the moment of the highest interest and greatest emotion. The point at which the outcome of the conflict can be predicted. Another way to look at it is the Climax is the final showdown between the protagonist and the antagonist. This is the scene the audience has been waiting for, the moment that answers the story's biggest question.

Falling Action- In act four, opposing forces begin to openly resist and make plans for the removal of the tragic hero, and the tragic hero's power is declining as the opposition’s power advances. In Act Four, Shakespeare often introduces a new kind of emotion, a quiet, pathetic emotion that is usually painful.

Reversal: the moment of reversal is also called the peripeteia. The protagonist’s fortunes change irrevocably for the worse in this moment. Frequently, the very trait we admire in a tragic hero is the same trait that brings about the hero’s downfall – their tragic virtue.

Anagnorisis: after the reversal/peripeteia, the tragic hero recognizes or verbalizes this tragic error.

The Tragic PatternResolution- In the final act, the opposition reaches

its full strength and defeats/destroys the isolated, weakened hero. This is where Tragic Recognition takes place, the reader becomes aware of the greatness of the man just loss, and order is restored.Castastrophe: This is generally all or most of Act V.

It involves a total reversal of the protagonist’s fortunes. In Shakespeare’s tragedies, the reversal always results in the death of the hero character, and just about every else we know the name of.

Catharsis: emotional purging of the audience – order has been returned.

1. Irony – Dramatic a. a long speech by one character to one or more other characters

2. Irony – Situational b. when the audience or the reader knows something important that a

character in a play or story does not know

3. Irony – Verbal c. introduction of the play to the audience

4. Monologue d. when there is a contrast between what would seem appropriate and what really happens

5. Prologue e. a writer or speaker says one thing but really means something completely

different

Terminology Practice

1. Protagonist a. 14 line lyric poem that is usually written in iambic pentameter

2. Soliloquy b. long speech in which a character who is onstage alone expresses his or her thoughts aloud

3. Sonnets c. play that depicts serious and important events in which the main character comes to an unhappy end

4. Tragedy d. central character, noble figure who has a personal failing that leads to his or her

downfall

5. Tragic Hero e. main character in fiction or drama

Terminology Practice

15TH Century

Verona, Italy

Play takes place over a 5 day period

Two families feuding: Montagues and Capulets

Montague family symbolizes nobility and old money

Capulet family symbolizes new money (rich merchants) infringing on nobility

Some also interpret the families representing the Catholic and Anglican churches and their feud in England

SETTING FOR ROMEO AND JULIET

Dynamic Charactersmature and change over the course of a play or

a novelRomeo and Juliet are the two dynamic

characters

Static Charactersdo not change over the course of a playLord Montague, Lord Capulet and Lady

Capulet change regarding the feud at the end of the play, but it is too late.

CHARACTERS

MONTAGUE FAMILYRomeo

Only son of Lord and Lady MontagueVery Romantic as his name suggestsPassionate and sensitiveIn love with the idea of love, until he meets

Juliet and discovers true loveIn love with a different girl when the play

opens (named Rosaline)Likeable and popular in VeronaTrue gentlemanBecomes self-confident A man of action

MONTAGUE FAMILYLord Montague

Romeo’s Father Enjoys the feud with the Capulets (Fault) Loves his son deeply, wants to know what is troubling him

Lady Montague~Romeo’s mother~Hates the feud~Loves son deeply

Benvolio Romeo’s cousin Romeo’s best friend and a good friend Reliable and sensible Has a reputation throughout Verona as an honest, kind and

trustworthy person

CAPULET FAMILYJuliet

Only daughter of Lord and Lady CapuletYoung and beautifulShe loyalNurse is her only friendPractical: balcony scene is an exampleAt first obedient, then takes charge of her own

lifeIdealistic: She thinks love can overcome all her

problemsTransforms from a girl to a woman throughout

the course of the play.

CAPULET FAMILY

Lord CapuletWealthy and likes to be well-thought ofWants everything his wayStrained relationship with his wife

Lady CapuletBitter and guardedA young motherDoes not know how to relate or talk to Juliet

CAPULET FAMILYNurse

Juliet’s nurse and best friendSays what she thinks even if it isn’t appropriateLoves to plot and planDoes not understand the depth of love between

Romeo and JulietAbandons Juliet when she needs her most

TybaltHot-headedFull of hateEmbodies the feud

NEUTRAL CHARACTERSFriar Lawrence

Catholic Means well, tries to settle feud Loves nature Loves Romeo like son he can’t have Understands lover’s problems and changes him

Mercutio Witty and sarcastic Center of attention Clever and intelligent Jokester of the play Fiery and excitable One of the top swordsmen in Verona Related to the Prince Loyal to Romeo despite not understanding his feelings

NEUTRAL CHARACTERSPrince Escalus

Understands the seriousness of the feud Tries to end the feud Symbolizes law and order and/or Royalty Takes his share of the blame at the end

Paris Honorable Wealthy Handsome Related to the Prince Unwelcome party in love triangle We see his love for Juliet at the end of the play

1. Aside a. a story that ends happily2. Blank Verse b. words that are spoken by a character in a

play to the audience or to another character but that are not supposed to be overheard by the others

on stage3. Chorus c. excessive pride or self-confidence; arrogance 4. Classical Allusions d. poetry written in unrhymed iambic

pentameter5. Comedy e. played by a single actor who briefly

summarizes the plot of the play6. Dialogue f. the conversation between characters in a

story or pla.7. Foil g. line of poetry that contains 5 iambs8. Heroic Couplet h. character who is used as a contrast to

another character9. Hubris i. reference to a statement, a person, a place, or

an event from history, the Bible, and mythology

10. Iambic Pentameter j. Two consecutive lines of poetry that rhyme

Terminology Practice

1. Irony – Dramatic a. when the audience or the reader knows something important that a character in a play or story does not know.

2. Irony – Situational b. a long speech by one character to one or more other characters

3. Irony – Verbal c. long speech in which a character who is onstage alone expresses his or her thoughts aloud.

4. Monologue d. central character, noble figure who has a personal failing that leads to his or her downfall

5. Prologue e. when there is a contrast between what would seem appropriate and what really happens

6. Protagonist f. play that depicts serious & important events in which the main character comes to an unhappy

end7. Soliloquy g. main character in fiction or drama8. Sonnets h. 14 line lyric poem that is usually written in iambic

pentameter9. Tragedy i. introduction of the play to the audience10. Tragic Hero j. a writer or speaker says one thing but really

means something completely different.

Terminology Practice