Exploring love, masculinity and fate in Act 3, Scene 1 of 'Romeo and Juliet'
I can explain how Shakespeare presents the concepts of love, masculinity and fate in Act 3, Scene 1 of ‘Romeo and Juliet’.
Exploring love, masculinity and fate in Act 3, Scene 1 of 'Romeo and Juliet'
I can explain how Shakespeare presents the concepts of love, masculinity and fate 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
- The climax of Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is Act 3, Scene 1.
- Arguably, the climactic Act 3, Scene 1 conveys the central role of violence and honour in society.
- Romeo’s language in Act 3, Scene 1 implies that expressing love and emotions makes men weak.
- Mercutio curses the Montagues and Capulets - this could show how someone else controls their lives.
- Romeo acknowledges that fate is controlling his life and his actions in Act 3, Scene 1.
Keywords
Fate - the development of events outside a person's control, regarded as predetermined by a supernatural power
Tragedy - a play dealing with tragic events and often ends with a death
Climax - the most intense, exciting, or important point of something
Antagonistic - showing or feeling active opposition or hostility towards someone or something
Hamartia - a fatal flaw leading to the downfall of a tragic hero or heroine
Common misconception
Romeo is often said to be 'in love with love' and this is consistent throughout the play.
In Act 3, Scene 1, Romeo expresses negative feelings towards the concept of being in love.
Equipment
You may wish to have a copy of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
- Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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