'Romeo and Juliet': Juliet's agency in Act 1, Scene 5 and Act 2, Scene 2
I can explain Juliet’s agency in Act 1, Scene 5 and Act 2, Scene 2 of ‘Romeo and Juliet’.
'Romeo and Juliet': Juliet's agency in Act 1, Scene 5 and Act 2, Scene 2
I can explain Juliet’s agency in Act 1, Scene 5 and Act 2, Scene 2 of ‘Romeo and Juliet’.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Arguably, the stage directions in Act 1, Scene 5 show Romeo taking control of the exchange with Juliet.
- Potentially, we might see Juliet as taking both a passive and active role in Act 1, Scene 5.
- Juliet’s language in Act 2, Scene 2 arguably shows her dictating the terms of her relationship with Romeo.
- By bringing up the subject of marriage, Juliet is arguably showing agency in the relationship.
- Stage directions can affect how we perceive power dynamics and relationships between characters.
Keywords
Agency - the capacity of an individual to act independently from others and to make their own free choices
Passive - not acting to influence or change a situation; allowing other people to be in control
Dictating - to give orders, or tell someone exactly what they must do
Common misconception
That women always took a passive role in relationships in the Elizabethan era.
Arguably, Juliet takes an active role in her relationship with Romeo.
To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: 'Romeo and Juliet': Juliet's agency in Act 1, Scene 5 and Act 2, Scene 2, 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': Juliet's agency in Act 1, Scene 5 and Act 2, Scene 2, 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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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 1, Scene 5 of 'Romeo and Juliet'. It's available in the additional materials.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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