a play dealing with tragic events and often ends with a death

the process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions

the central character of a play, film, etc., depicted as a noble figure who experiences a tragic downfall

a fatal flaw leading to the downfall of a tragic hero or heroine

Exploring the conventions of Shakespearean tragedy in 'Romeo and Juliet'

English

In 'Macbeth: Lady Macbeth as a Machiavellian Villain', pupils focus on the role that Lady Macbeth plays in the downfall of her husband. In 'Macbeth: A Tragic Hero', pupils become more critical of Macbeth's own decisions, evaluating whether he could be considered a tragic hero.

In 'Othello', pupils explore the role that Desdemona played in her husband's downfall. In 'Macbeth: Lady Macbeth as a Machiavellian Villain', pupils analyse the impact of Lady Macbeth's manipulation.

In this unit, pupils read and analyse 'Romeo and Juliet' by focusing on the role of fate. They start by understanding the play's tragedy and the concept of fate, before exploring key characters and themes in detail. They finally prepare and write an essay about the role of fate in the play.

Shakespeare: first reading

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Depiction or discussion of serious mental health issues including eating disorders, self-harm, suicide or attempted suicide, or the aftermath of such an event.

Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' is an example of a ...

Which of the following are conventions of a Shakespearean tragedy?

In Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', the conflict between the Montagues and Capulets is an example of __________ conflict in the play.

'A fatal flaw leading to the downfall of a tragic hero or heroine' is the definition of which of the following?

In Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', Romeo's hamartia is arguably his...

a moment in a play or other work when a character makes a critical discovery

the reversal from one state of affairs to its opposite

Which of the following is the definition of catharsis?

a play with a light or humorous tone that often features amusing incidents

a play dealing with sad events and which has an unhappy ending

a play based on a historical event, usually set sometime in the past

Which of the following is the definition of a tragedy play?

Which of the following could be considered a supernatural element in a play or text?

having an excessively high opinion of oneself or one's own importance

desire and determination to achieve success

unhappiness and anger because someone has something you want

Which of the following Shakespeare plays is a tragedy?

'Of or situated on the inside' is the definition of which word beginning with 'i'?

'The development of events outside a person's control, regarded as predetermined by a supernatural power' is the definition of which word beginning with 'f'?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Exploring the conventions of Shakespearean tragedy in 'Romeo and Juliet'

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.