'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’.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
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.
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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