New
New
Year 11
AQA
'Romeo and Juliet': exploring the theme of individuality
I can explore the concept of individuality in ‘Romeo and Juliet’.
New
New
Year 11
AQA
'Romeo and Juliet': exploring the theme of individuality
I can explore the concept of individuality in ‘Romeo and Juliet’.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Until the late 16th century, individual identity was seen as a function of an individual's place in a social network.
- Arguably, Romeo and Juliet both act based on their individual desires in 'Romeo and Juliet'.
- For Romeo, this individuality causes social isolation at the beginning of the play.
- For Romeo and Juliet, their individual desires arguably lead to their tragic downfall.
Keywords
Individuality - the quality or character of a particular person or thing that distinguishes them from others of the same kind
Autonomy - the ability to make your own decisions about what to do
Consequence - a result of a particular action or situation, often one that is bad or not convenient
Common misconception
Individuality has always been associated with being unique and making your own decisions.
In the sixteenth century, individuals were seen as existing as part of a network of social and family structures.
It may be useful to expand on the idea of Romeo and Juliet acting on their individual desires by thinking about how they avoid the advice of both Friar Lawrence and the Nurse.
Teacher tip
Equipment
You may wish to have a copy of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' with you for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on
Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
In Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', Romeo and Juliet marry in secret. Which of the following are they doing through their marriage?
obeying their parents
trying to mend the feud between their parents
Q2.
In Elizabethan England, children were expected to do which of the following?
challenge their parents
follow their own dreams
Q3.
In Act 1, Scene 1 of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', Romeo is positioned __________ the street fight between the Montagues and Capulets.
in the middle of
as observing
Q4.
'A result of a particular action or situation, often one that is bad or not convenient' is the definition of which word beginning with 'c'?
Q5.
Complete the quotation from the prologue of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet': "From ancient break to new mutiny".
Q6.
In Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', Romeo feels love deeply and thinks that it defines his identity. How does this view of love relate to stereotypes of masculinity in Elizabethan England?
conforms to stereotypes of masculinity
doesn't relate to stereotypes of masculinity
Exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' is a __________ play.
comedy
history
Q2.
'The quality or character of a particular person or thing that distinguishes them from others of the same kind' is the definition of which word beginning with 'i'?
Q3.
In modern society, being an individual means which of the following?
being the same as everyone else
sharing the dreams of others
Q4.
In the sixteenth century, individuality was seen as which of the following?
being unique
following your own desires
Q5.
In Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', Shakespeare arguably shows Romeo experiencing social as a result of his individuality.
Q6.
'The ability to make your own decisions about what to do' is the definition of which word beginning with 'a'?