Welcome to the English 9 web page!
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On this page you'll find information about what we do every day in class, including the play-by-play of what happens in each class period, homework assignments, and due dates. Here's what to know:
- Class activities are listed in reverse date order. Scroll down to find the date you seek.
- Access older units and lessons through the lesson archives
- An overview of English 9 can by obtained by reading the course syllabus
- If you're curious about me, Mr. Rice, you can read "About Mr. Rice"
- The English Department shares the same Late Work Policy; if that concerns you, then check it out
CURRENT UNIT FOCUS:
- Romeo and Juliet - Elizabethan Drama/Tragedy
UP NEXT: Poetry
Mon, Mar 5
DUE: n/a
HMWK: n/a
TODAY: Moving from notes to pre-writing
PERIOD 5 NOTES:
Topic sentence
An audience’s experience can be greatly affected by what scenes are included and left out.
RDF/Evidence
For example, in the Zeffirelli, the fight scene between Ro and Paris is not included, whereas it was in the original text.
Analysis/Explanation/The E’s
When the fight scene is included, the audience gains an understanding of how uncontrollable love is. We see Romeo as someone who is willing to kill or fight through any barrier just to be physically next to Juliet. On the contrary, when the fight scene is missing, Romeo enters the tomb without any barrier.
On the contrary, when the fight scene is missing, Romeo enters the tomb without any barrier. This allows the audience to focus more on their relationship and its tragedy. Because no one confronts him, we feel he is less hated by others. In addition, without a conflict, he displays fewer emotions – he seems more level-headed.
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Ideas:
Fight between R and Paris
we get:
An understanding of how uncontrollable love is
We see Ro as someone who is willing to kill others in order to be w/ Juliet
He assumes she is dead, yet he still wants to be with her
He is willing to fight through any barrier just to be physically next to her
When fight scene is missing, what we get:
More respectful Romeo
Less emotional
Less hated by others
Allows us to focus more on their relationship and its tragedy.
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RESULTING PARAGRAPH:
An audience’s experience can be greatly affected by what scenes are included and left out. For example, in the Zeffirelli, the fight scene between Ro and Paris is not included, whereas it was in the original text. When the fight scene is included, the audience gains an understanding of how uncontrollable love is. We see Romeo as someone who is willing to kill or fight through any barrier just to be physically next to Juliet. On the contrary, when the fight scene is missing, Romeo enters the tomb without any barrier. This allows the audience to focus more on their relationship and its tragedy. Because no one confronts him, we feel he is less hated by others. In addition, without a conflict, he displays fewer emotions – he seems more level-headed.
Fri, Mar 2
DUE: n/a
HMWK: n/a
TODAY: Film viewing quiz
QUIZ today on the various film versions and the effects of scenes on the viewer. The quiz is really a study guide of sorts as well as a brainstorming tool.
Thu, Mar 1
DUE: n/a
HMWK: n/a
TODAY: Moving from observations to commentary (how to use notes to pre-write)
Once we note all the positive and negative decisions made by the filmmakers, we can begin discussing how those decisions affect the audience. What you find below are the notes from each class.
PERIOD 2 NOTES
Element
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Positive
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Negative
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No apothecary scene
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When R produces the poison, it’s a surprise b/c we did not see him visit the apothecary. This unexpected event surprises the viewer, and we like surprises in film. Otherwise, we know of the upcoming death and that builds our tension. In this case, it is sudden – a shock.
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The surprise of Romeo producing the poison from nowhere jars the viewer – we wonder where he got poison, and if he carries it normally. By removing the scene, we don’t understand how desperate Romeo is. We think he was perhaps always suicidal as opposed to just reacting to news of Juliet’s death.
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No confrontation w/ Paris in the
Luhrmann
Zeffirelli
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When the fight with Paris is removed, then nothing interrupts R’s movement to Juliet. This brings consistency to the idea that R is a lover rather than a murderer. Additionally, the focus remains the relationship between R and J. When P is in the scene, the tension between R and J is interrupted, whereas without him, our dedicated attention remains on R and J’s love.
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By removing the confrontation w/ Paris, we miss out on the extreme emotions of Romeo. The fight w/ Paris emphasizes the amount of stress in his life. The fight shows us what R is willing to do to be reunited with Juliet, even though she is dead. Therefore, the fight demonstrates even more his dedicated love. He is willing to kill to get to Juliet. Additionally, our view of Paris is affected. The fight shows that he really cared for J rather than marrying her for status and wealth.
At the start of the scene, R does not want to fight, yet Paris pushes him into it. Romeo sees P as a barrier to Juliet, and the fight is about him removing that barrier. Because R has already lost everything, he reacts this way b/c he has nothing left – he does not care if he dies. Also foreshadow.
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George Cukor – blk/wht
Positive decisions by filmmakers
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Negative decisions by filmmakers
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R and J actors are older – makes it seem more realistic in the sense that it removes the oddity of a girl marrying at 13
Music not TOO overpowering – music should add an element that engages the audience, but not overtake the action
Kept apothecary, fight w/ Paris, Friar gets msg from Friar John
@ end, the camera zooms on J’s face – we see her smile when she kills herself; shows her desire to be w/ R, and only THERE is everything peaceful/at rest
Blk/wht emphasizes the older story – takes us back
Costumes
Shortened the speeches
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R and J actors older – not true to the original b/c J should be 13
It’s in black and white
Paris seemed to just drop dead during the sword fight
No apology to Tybalt in crypt
J covered in cloth
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BBC TV
Nurse playfully tries to wake J before she realizes the death – authentic reaction to the death; nice to have the comic relief – we know J is dead, so we wait to see her reaction – she kept it light when we knew death was already there
Kept all the original Shksp lines
When R found J @ grave, his sadness and anger is authentic
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Kept all the original Shksp lines
Friar too calm when J is found dead by the nurse – creates suspicion
Setting for the crypt scene – odd
Overdramatic – over the top – over-exaggeration of emotions/lines
Odd release of the servant
Pace of speeches – slow/fast
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PERIOD 4 NOTES
Element
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Positive
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Negative
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No apothecary scene
1968 Zeffirelli
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When R produces the poison, it’s a surprise b/c we did not see him visit the apothecary. This unexpected event surprises the viewer, and we like surprises in film. Otherwise, we know of the upcoming death and that builds our tension. In this case, it is sudden – a shock.
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The surprise of Romeo producing the poison from nowhere jars the viewer – we wonder where he got poison, and if he carries it normally. By removing the scene, we don’t understand how desperate Romeo is. We think he was perhaps always suicidal as opposed to just reacting to news of Juliet’s death.
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No confrontation with Paris outside the Capulet crypt
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By removing the fight w/ P, Ro is shown as less of a murderer and more desperate and passionate for J. The viewer focuses more on the relationship between R and J, avoiding the distraction of other issues. The removal of the scene brings emotional consistency – R is already sad, and the P fight is an interruption. Without it, R moves right to J.
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The fact that R is emotional enough to kill P adds depth to his character – he is more complex and human as opposed to one-dimensional. By removing the fight, we miss out on how much he wants to be with Juliet – how much he cares for her and his willingness to fight to be with her. P is an obstacle for R and his love of J; therefore, without this obstacle, their reunion and love is lessened/diminished.
The tension of the two suitors is removed when P is not in the picture. P character is affected b/c his love is affirmed when he intercepts R; otherwise, we believe his love less. Also removes the anger he felt toward R
The play works because of coincidence and timing. Romeo is delayed slightly by Paris, which delays his taking the poison, which places his death closer to the time when J awakens, which allows her to feel his warm lips, which drives her to suicidal thoughts when she realizes she JUST missed him being alive.
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George Cukor (blk/wht)
Positive filmmaker decisions
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Negative filmmaker decisions
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Fight scene – can’t see P, so it surprises us when he dies
Funeral scene w/ all attendants emphasizes the importance of J and Capulet family
Good balance of borrowing from Shksp and removing lines from original
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R and J are older than the age in the play’s dialog (J should be 13)
Progressed through scenes/events quickly
Music overpowers words/events – focuses us on wrong thing
Fr bails on R and J w/o trying to further help
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BBC TV
Positive Decision
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Negative Decisions
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Visit to apothecary required R to push the man into consent – shows his determination/desperation
In P fight, shows desperation of R to get to J
Included all scenes – more comprehensive view of characters and events
Good tension/acting by nurse to awaken J – disbelief first – also took her a long time to realize (dramatic irony)
After they find J is dead, the wedding music still plays downstairs
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Keep all original lines from Shksp
Father of J not sad enough
When Lady C finds her, begins sad then fades to emotionless
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Wed, Feb 29
DUE: n/a
HMWK: n/a
TODAY: Sharing of film viewing observations
PERIOD 4 NOTES
Franco Zeffirelli (1968)
What they did well
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What they didn’t do well
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Realistic scene as J awakens – first fingers, then hand, then feels face, then finally eyes open, etc.
R pauses to ask T for forgiveness
Shows Balthazar speeding past Friar John’s message; they miss the Friar on the return as well
R does not cry until he sees Juliet’s body
Setting in the crypt = GOOD!
J’s emotion/crying is authentic
Ages and looks of RnJ appropriate
Cut out some of Shksp dialog
Authentic Italy setting – outdoors, real city
Sense of family in the Capulet crypt
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No scene w/ apothecary for poison
Friar runs away from RnJ @ end in fear
No fight w/ Paris outside crypt
When R hears J is dead – his reaction is lacking
Removed much of the Shksp original dialog
No scene w/ Friar L and Friar J
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Baz Luhrmann
What they did well
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What they didn’t do well
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Good response from R when he gets news of J’s death
RnJ ages realistic – good choice
R’s reaction to J’s death = dramatic and authentic
Suspense in the R death/J awakening scene
Modern violence brings action
R asking for message from Friar helps audience understand messages are missed
Moderns setting = new way to “see” the story - relatable
Cut of dialog from original
“Near miss” of delivery/letter from the Friar
Nice setting for “Mantua” – looks desolate/isolated
Quick cuts betw Friar and the chase for Romeo – he tells us it will be bad AND IT IS
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Missing fight w/ Paris outside crypt
Not as much interest/drama in death scene
R’s violent mood swings
Modern setting/use of weapons
Violent – guns bring a new dimension
“Near miss” of J’s awakening
Candlelit setting of the modern church
Urgency/tension/stress of the police chase
Took too long for R to reach J in the church
No Friar in the crypt scene
Parents’ reactions were non-committal
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PERIOD 2 NOTES
Franco Zeffirelli
What they did well
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What they didn’t do well
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Actor emotions were reserved, but showed just enough to be appropriate
Kept “most” of the original scenes
Showed messengers – one slow, one fast – dramatic irony
Elaborate costumes
Casting good – ages accurate
Not all lines included, but enough to “get it”
Drinking of poison = PAIN!
R shows his remorse by apologizing to Tybalt
Juliet’s awakening – first the hand, then the eyes
Juliet’s desperation to follow R in death – poison
Juliet’s funeral shown – Balthazar sees her burial
Setting = great!
At end – carried out bodies together
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Romeo’s poison – came out of nowhere!
Fight w/ Paris missing
No scene w/ messenger coming back to Friar L
When R goes to crypt, too many dead bodies!
Some scenes too quick – like the messengers passing one another
Soundtrack overpowering in crypt scene
DON’T GET CAUGHT TIP: Focusing on realism of a death -
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Baz Luhrmann
What they did well
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What they didn’t do well
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R’s expressions of emotion seem accurate
Sense of urgency when police chase him
Suspense of the timing when J awakens
Lots of action = engaging
Exaggerated the desolation/ isolation of R in Mantua
R’s exaggeration of emotion
Balthazar/Romeo scene starts well, then Phht.
Better connection w/ modern setting
R puts ring on J when realizes she’s dead
Effect of candles
As J awakens, starts w/ hand
Absence of Paris helps focus on love/bond of R and J
Nostalgic ending w/ reflection on their time together
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Eliminated the Tybalt speech
R’s yelling at the stars = they can’t do anything
Police chase – not in original
The candles/setting of the church
No fight w/ Paris
Over-exaggeration of guns and drugs
Soundtrack overpowering
Shksp language in modern setting
Friar missing from the crypt scene
Balthazar’s attempt to break the bad news
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Tue, Feb 28
DUE: n/a
HMWK: n/a
TODAY: Wrap-up of film viewing
Baz Luhrmann:
Zeffirelli:
- View burial of Juliet through end
- Debrief
Mon, Feb 27
DUE: n/a
HMWK: n/a
TODAY: Viewing film versions of RnJ
George Cukor:
- Nurse arrives to find J dead
- Crypt scene
- Debrief
Baz Luhrmann:
- Romeo in Mantua
- Balthazar delivers bad news
- Romeo's flight to the Capulet crypt
Fri, Feb 24
DUE: n/a
HMWK: n/a
TODAY: Writing film observations
For each version of Act IV-V we view, take notes on what you feel the filmmakers did well and did not do well. This partly has to do with your own opinion, and partly with the filmmaker's attention to the the original Shakespeare play.
- How well do the filmmaker's choices help us understand character?
- How well do the filmmaker's choices help us follow the story/plot?
- How well do their choices keep us engaged?
- How true are their choices to the intent and spirit of Act IV-V?
View BBC TV version of Acts IV-V
- Nurse finds Juliet dead - plans move from wedding to funeral
- Balthazar delivers bad news to Romeo
- Friar John misses a connection
- Romeo at the tomb
Wed, Feb 22
DUE: Late paragraphs
HMWK: n/a
TODAY: Act III.v
Exit Questions (copy onto a blank piece of notebook paper and leave about 2 lines between each question):
- What is Juliet trying to get Romeo to believe? (1-5)
- How is “day” personified in lines 9-10?
- How should we see “heaven” and “hell” for R and J? (Consider line 24 for a clue – heaven is in one place, and hell is in another)
- What does Lady Capulet plan to do about Romeo? (100-104)
- Why would Juliet want Romeo dead? (105-114)
- What is Juliet’s reaction to the plan for her to marry Paris? (131-138)
- Does Capulet have reason to be angry? Is his anger just?
- What does Capulet threaten if Juliet doesn’t comply? (160-223)
- Why is Juliet going to the Friar? (240-end)
- How is the relationship between Juliet and the Nurse @ the end?
Tues, Feb 21
DUE: Paragraph on which film version of Act III you preferred
HMWK: Revise and re-write the paragraph assignment. Bring the new paragraph TYPED tomorrow
TODAY: How to build paragraphs out of notes and observations
Weekend prompt was: Write a paragraph on which film version of Act III is superior and explain your opinion w/ examples from the films
We will take your work (or lack thereof) and, together, create good work you will be proud to turn in for a grade!
Step 1: Split the class into four different groups
- Group 1 – explores all the potential good aspects of the British TV version
- Group 2 – explores all the potential negative aspects of the British TV version
- Group 3 – explores all the potential good aspects of the modern “Leo DiCaprio” version
- Group 4 – explores all the potential negative aspects of the modern “Leo DiCaprio” version
In your group, you MUST find at least THREE aspects to discuss – less is NOT an option. For each idea, ask, “Why could this be good for the viewer?” or “Why could this be a negative for the viewer?”
Ask questions like: “How does this help the audience’s understanding of character?” or “How does this not give us a full picture of character?” or “How does this help with understanding the plot and story line?” or “How does this confuse or take away from the original story line?”
Step two: Take the group observations and make formal sentences, including specific references to the movies where you are able
PERIOD 2 NOTES:
The British TV version of “Romeo and Juliet” has two main positive attributes for the audience. This version provides more character development. The director chooses to keep all of Sh’s original dialog. By providing all of the dialog, the audience and viewer gains more insight into what the character thinks and believes. For example, as Juliet talks about her anticipation for Romeo coming to her bed that night, we hear all of her excitement, eagerness, and embarrassment. The audience receives a full understanding of her character through the full dialog. In addition to keeping all of the dialog, the setting provides a benefit. Because the setting is in the past, with older costumes and style of language, the audience is able to better connect to the time period. We expect the language to be different, rather than modern because we see the older setting.
There are negative aspects to the British TV version, not the least of which is the dialog. The director chooses to keep all of the original dialog in this version. This causes long speeches by the characters that become rambling. The audience as a result loses focus on what the characters say, and this means the audience does not follow what is said. The audience may miss out on key thoughts because of all of the additional dialog.
The modern version of “Romeo + Juliet” stars Leonardo diCaprio, and this version is preferred for a multitude (AT LEAST THREE) of reasons. Firstly, the dialog has been edited from the original version. The script only keeps essential lines relating to the action and thoughts of characters. This strategy keeps the audience focused on the important aspects of the story. For example, when Romeo fights Tybalt, the only line emphasized in the film is spoken and repeated by Romeo, “Only you, or me, or both (shall follow Tybalt).” By emphasizing this line, we understand Romeo’s willingness to die for those he loves – in this case Mercutio.
PERIOD 4 NOTES
The British television version of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” is superior to the modern version starring Leo diCaprio. The first reason for its superiority has to do with the dialog. Specifically, all of the original lines from the play are kept. By keeping all of the lines, the audience gets a full view of characters’ emotions. For example, in the scene where Juliet thinks about her upcoming night with Romeo, she looks forward to it anxiously; she is scared, excited, and happy. The audience learns of these emotions from the original Shakespearean lines. Without them, we fail to see how emotional she is with regard to her upcoming wedding night.
[continue: One more reason, with example THEN tell how the alternate version is inferior]
Alternative films include the modern version with diCaprio. However, this version is inferior to the BBC version. One major problem is the inconsistency between the dialog and the film’s setting. The modern film’s setting seems near Hollywood at “Verona Beach” in the 21st-century. Characters drive cars and brandish guns instead of swords and rapiers. One would expect, given this setting, that characters would speak in a modern style of language. Instead, the film confuses the audience by keeping the dialog Shakespearean. This is confusing because it does not meet our expectation – we would expect a Shakespearean setting if characters use Shakespearean dialog.
Fri, Feb 3
DUE: “Perfect Mate” activity – parent and student contributions
HMWK: PARAPHRASE (put into your own words) Act I, scene 5, lines 49-58 (Romeo’s dialog when he first sees Juliet)
TODAY: QUIZ; feedback on “Perfect Mate”
Feedback on “Perfect Mate”
QUIZ!
Thu, Feb 2
DUE: n/a
HMWK:
- Get a parent to complete the “Perfect Mate” activity, and bring it TOMORROW
- QUIZ tomorrow on characters and plot in Act One
TODAY: RnJ I.iv-v; party on, dude!
Viewing and reading of Act I scenes iv-v of RnJ
Things to know before reading:
- Romeo’s friend try to cheer him with interesting advice
- Tybalt is ON FIRE (no, not literally)
- Capulet seems to be an attentive host
- The dialog of R and J is filled with puns
Teacher guidance:
- Mercutio’s Queen Mab speech
- Benvolio’s allusion to “star-crossed lovers”
- Romeo sees Juliet
- Tybalt becomes enraged
- Romeo’s come-on lines and Juliet’s response
- “The Reveal” – R and J find out they are from opposing houses
Exit questions:
- What does Mab make lawyers and ladies dream of?
- Why is Tybalt angry?
- What is Capulet’s response to Tybalt’s rage?
- What is the purpose of Romeo’s conversation w/ Juliet? What does he want?
- How does Juliet respond to R’s kisses?
COMPLETION of the slide show Shakespeare’s Theater: An Introduction
Wed, Feb 1
DUE: Response to yesterday’s HMWK question
HMWK:
- Since Lady Capulet and the Nurse talk about the purpose of marriage and the qualities of a good partner, it’s a perfect time to begin “The Perfect Mate” activity at home. Your parent contribution will be due FRIDAY.
- QUIZ Friday on Act One (open note)
TODAY: RJ I.iii; a mother’s desires
Viewing and reading of Act I scene iii of RnJ
Things to know before reading:
- The nurse’s dialog is to be seen as comic relief
- Lady Capulet has high hopes for her daughter’s marriage
Teacher guidance:
- The coarse (“dirty”) language of the nurse = lower class
- The mother’s marriage and pregnancy history
- Juliet’s ideas on marriage
Exit questions:
- What is marriage for, according to the nurse?
- How interested in marriage is Juliet?
SLIDE SHOW: Shakespeare’s Theater: An Introduction (ppt)
TAKE NOTES on the pre-printed guide sheet, which you will be able to use on an upcoming QUIZ
Tue, Jan 31
DUE: Paraphrase of one sentence from Act I scene I (I.i)
HMWK: Lord Capulet does not expect Juliet to marry just yet because he believes she’s too young. Write down one or two rules your parents have for you that are based on age. Were you able to stay out later when you turned fifteen? Will you be allowed to date at 16? At what age do your parents think it’s too young to marry? What is their reasoning? Do you agree?
TODAY: RJ I.ii; marriage proposals and party invitations
Viewing and reading of Act I scene ii of RnJ
Things to know before reading:
- “Back then” women married much earlier in order to begin bearing children; the husband hoped for a boy, because money and property followed the male heirs
- Shakespeare inserts characters for comic relief (in I.ii the servant)
- Romeo is still heartbroken over Rosaline
Teacher guidance of lines in the scene:
- Capulet’s hopes for Juliet – typical for a father, or too protective?
- The party invitation
- Benvilio’s advice to Romeo
Exit questions:
- How old is Juliet now?
- What is Capulet’s advice to Paris concerning marriage to Juliet?
- What is the name of the girl who does not return Romeo’s love?
- Why is Romeo going to crash the Capulet party?
Mon, Jan 30
DUE: Late work from semester one? Must turn in NOW (grades are posted by 3pm)
HMWK:
- Copy down one sentence from the play -- it must be at least two lines long. Then paraphrase (put into your own words) the sentence in order to “update” Shakespeare.
- Gregory and Samson joke using puns - words that sound similar but have different meanings - If you have ever heard a joke based on a pun, write one down.
TODAY: RJ I.i; Verona’s two families; insults, brawls, and braggadocio; paraphrasing for understanding
Viewing and reading of Act I scene i (I.i) of Romeo and Juliet (RnJ)
Things to know before reading:
- Shakespeare gives an overview of the play in the Prologue
- Shakespeare loves language tricks like puns (see Gregory/Samson)
- The Prince’s speech gives an idea of how serious the feud has become
- Romeo has been lovesick
- Benvolio gives Romeo a suggestion
Teacher guidance of key lines in the scene:
- Prologue
- Language tricks and naughtiness in Gregory and Samson
- Benvolio and Tybalt – polar opposites
- The Prince’s proclamation and warning
- What’s bothering Romeo
- Benvolio’s suggestion
Exit questions:
- What are the names of the two families in the play?
- Explain at least one humorous aspect the bragging by Gregory and Samson.
- What character is the peacemaker and what character is the hothead?
- What is the Prince’s punishment for the next person who starts a brawl?
- What has caused Romeo to avoid people and be so depressed?
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