'Romeo and Juliet': violence, masculinity and society in Act 1, Scene 1
I can explain how Shakespeare links the concepts of violence and masculinity in Act 1, Scene 1 of 'Romeo and Juliet'.
'Romeo and Juliet': violence, masculinity and society in Act 1, Scene 1
I can explain how Shakespeare links the concepts of violence and masculinity in Act 1, Scene 1 of 'Romeo and Juliet'.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- By opening with men bearing swords, Shakespeare implies that we should connect men and violence.
- Violence is presented as part of masculinity.
- The links between violence and sex could suggest that men were supposed to be sexually dominant.
- The Prince implies that the Montagues and Capulets are corrupting themselves and society through violence.
- However, the Prince’s threats could be acknowledging that violence is necessary to keep society together.
Keywords
Masculinity - qualities or attributes regarded as characteristic of men or boys
Authority - power to influence or command thought, opinion, or behaviour
Dominant - to be in control; to be powerful
Animalistic - characteristic of animals, particularly in being physical and instinctive
Common misconception
Benvolio is a peaceful character in 'Romeo and Juliet'.
While Benvolio calls for peace, he engages in violence when he thinks it is necessary.
To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: 'Romeo and Juliet': violence, masculinity and society in Act 1, Scene 1, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: 'Romeo and Juliet': violence, masculinity and society in Act 1, Scene 1, 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.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
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
There is a copy of the Prince's speech from Act 1, Scene 1 available in the additional materials.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
- Depiction or discussion of sexual violence
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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