Exploring how the prologue sets up the theme of fate in 'Romeo and Juliet'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how the prologue sets up the theme of fate in ‘Romeo and Juliet’.
Key learning points
- In Elizabethan England, most people believed that their lives were controlled by fate.
- Romeo and Juliet’s fate is revealed to us in the prologue.
- The image of “star-crossed lovers” shows that Romeo and Juliet’s love will have a tragic end.
- The use of “fatal loins” implies that Romeo and Juliet’s fate was sealed before they were born.
- The use of the sonnet form implies that Romeo and Juliet are trapped within their destinies.
Keywords
Prologue - a separate introductory section of a literary, dramatic, or musical work
Fate - the development of events outside a person's control, regarded as predetermined by a supernatural power
Predetermined - established or decided in advance
Destiny - everything that happens to someone during their life, including what will happen in the future
Free will - the ability to act and make choices independent of any outside influence
Common misconception
That everyone believes they have control over their lives.
Some people believe that their lives are controlled by fate and destiny.
Teacher tip
It would be useful for pupils to share their thoughts about whether the concept of fate is comforting or not so that they fully consider what fate might mean for some people.
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 mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.'The act of doing or saying something again' is the definition of which word beginning with 'r'?
Q2.Which of the following best describes the form of the sonnet?
Q3.'The study of the movements and positions of the sun, moon, planets, and stars in the belief that they affect the character and lives of people' is the definition of...
Q4.'The development of events outside a person's control, regarded as predetermined by a supernatural power' is the definition of which word beginning with 'f'?
Q5.'Free will' means which of the following?
Q6.The word 'fatal' means which of the following?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', Romeo and Juliet are called "star- " lovers in the prologue.
Q2.'Established or decided in advance' is the definition of...
Q3.'A separate introductory section of a literary, dramatic, or musical work' is the definition of which of the following?
Q4.'Everything that happens to someone during their life, including what will happen in the future' is the definition of which word beginning with 'd'?
Q5.In Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', Romeo and Juliet are said to come from the "__________ loins" of their parents.
Q6.In Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', Romeo and Juliet are referred to as being "death- ".
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Exploring how the prologue sets up the theme of fate in 'Romeo and Juliet', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Exploring how the prologue sets up the theme of fate in 'Romeo and Juliet', 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.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 English lessons from the Romeo and Juliet: exploring the role of love and fate unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.