Analysing ideas of violence and honour in Act 3, Scene 1 of 'Romeo and Juliet'
I can explain how violence and honour are presented in Act 3, Scene 1 of ‘Romeo and Juliet’.
Analysing ideas of violence and honour in Act 3, Scene 1 of 'Romeo and Juliet'
I can explain how violence and honour are presented in Act 3, Scene 1 of ‘Romeo and Juliet’.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Arguably, Shakespeare opens Act 3, Scene 1 with the expectation of violence through the pathetic fallacy “hot”.
- By connecting blood and violence, Shakespeare may be suggesting that violence is integral to men.
- Throughout Act 3, Scene 1, Shakespeare might be implying that men saw violence as a way to satisfy their honour.
- Mercutio’s connection of submission and dishonour may indicate that men were supposed to be violent and dominant.
- We could see Mercutio’s challenge as implying that men’s honour was also affected by those in their social circle.
Keywords
Masculinity - qualities or attributes regarded as characteristic of men or boys
Honour - a quality that combines respect, being proud, and honesty
Integral - necessary to make a whole complete; essential or fundamental
Dishonourable - bringing shame or disgrace on someone or something
Submission - the action of accepting or yielding to a superior force or to the will or authority of another person
Common misconception
That men were supposed to be the 'bigger man' and act rationally in the face of a challenge to their honour.
In Elizabethan England, men were expected to defend their honour.
To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: Analysing ideas of violence and honour in Act 3, Scene 1 of 'Romeo and Juliet', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: Analysing ideas of violence and honour in Act 3, Scene 1 of 'Romeo and Juliet', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 english lessons from the Romeo and Juliet: the integral role of violence and honour to masculinity unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You may wish to have a copy of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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