Understanding themes, characters and plot in 'Romeo and Juliet'
I can explain how Shakespeare demonstrates key themes through character and plot action.
Understanding themes, characters and plot in 'Romeo and Juliet'
I can explain how Shakespeare demonstrates key themes through character and plot action.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- 'Romeo and Juliet' is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare in the 1590s and it is based on an Italian story.
- The plot tells of two young lovers, Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet, who belong to feuding families.
- A theme of a play is a central idea that the writer intends the audience to engage deeply with.
- Key themes in 'Romeo and Juliet' are love, chance, conflict, youth and death.
Common misconception
Pupils may struggle to understand why the characters take such drastic action in the play.
Explain the importance of familial obligations at the time the play is set; use analogies to describe the feud between the houses. Note also the difficulties around communication - there was no easy way to send messages!
Keywords
Play - a dramatic work originally intended for the stage
Feud - a long-lasting conflict
Tragedy - a type of play in which terrible or sorrowful things happen to the main character(s)
Theme - a central idea that the writer intends the audience to engage deeply with
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
gives Juliet the potion
carries messages to Juliet
tries to stop the families feuding
wants Juliet to marry Paris