'Romeo and Juliet': exploring Juliet's agency in Act 4, Scene 3
I can explain Juliet’s agency in Act 4, Scene 3 of ‘Romeo and Juliet’.
'Romeo and Juliet': exploring Juliet's agency in Act 4, Scene 3
I can explain Juliet’s agency in Act 4, Scene 3 of ‘Romeo and Juliet’.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Potentially, we might see Juliet’s resolve as strengthening as her speech progresses.
- However, the increasing desperate language might seem contradictory to this and could undermine her agency.
- Speaking in regular iambic pentameter arguably indicates calm emotions since it reflects a steady heartbeat.
- Juliet speaks in iambic pentameter when talking about her death which suggests she feels in control
- However, her final line is the most far removed from iambic pentameter and could undermine her agency.
Keywords
Agency - the capacity of an individual to act independently from others and to make their own free choices
Interrogative - a word or sentence used when asking a question
Resolve - to make a decision formally or with determination
Iambic pentameter - a line of verse with five metrical feet, each consisting of one unstressed syllable followed by one stressed syllable
Common misconception
That the rhythm of a character's speech is unimportant.
Exploring the rhythm of a character's speech can reveal their emotional state.
To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: 'Romeo and Juliet': exploring Juliet's agency in Act 4, Scene 3, 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': exploring Juliet's agency in Act 4, Scene 3, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
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Explore more key stage 4 english lessons from the Romeo and Juliet: Juliet and female agency unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
This lesson uses an extract taken from Act 4, Scene 3 of 'Romeo and Juliet'. It's available in the additional materials.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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