Analysing ideas of violence and honour in Act 3, Scene 1 of 'Romeo and Juliet'
I can explain how violence and honour are presented in Act 3, Scene 1 of ‘Romeo and Juliet’.
Analysing ideas of violence and honour in Act 3, Scene 1 of 'Romeo and Juliet'
I can explain how violence and honour are presented 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
- Arguably, Shakespeare opens Act 3, Scene 1 with the expectation of violence through the pathetic fallacy “hot”.
- By connecting blood and violence, Shakespeare may be suggesting that violence is integral to men.
- Throughout Act 3, Scene 1, Shakespeare might be implying that men saw violence as a way to satisfy their honour.
- Mercutio’s connection of submission and dishonour may indicate that men were supposed to be violent and dominant.
- We could see Mercutio’s challenge as implying that men’s honour was also affected by those in their social circle.
Keywords
Masculinity - qualities or attributes regarded as characteristic of men or boys
Honour - a quality that combines respect, being proud, and honesty
Integral - necessary to make a whole complete; essential or fundamental
Dishonourable - bringing shame or disgrace on someone or something
Submission - the action of accepting or yielding to a superior force or to the will or authority of another person
Common misconception
That men were supposed to be the 'bigger man' and act rationally in the face of a challenge to their honour.
In Elizabethan England, men were expected to defend their honour.
Equipment
You may wish to have a copy of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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