Exploring the conventions of Shakespearean tragedy in 'Romeo and Juliet'
I can consider the conventions of Shakespearean tragedies and how ‘Romeo and Juliet’ meets these conventions.
Exploring the conventions of Shakespearean tragedy in 'Romeo and Juliet'
I can consider the conventions of Shakespearean tragedies and how ‘Romeo and Juliet’ meets these conventions.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A tragedy is a play dealing with tragic events and often ends with a death.
- Shakespearean tragedies conventionally involve a tragic hero with a hamartia.
- Conventionally, Shakespearean tragedies involve supernatural elements and fate which can add discomfort.
- Shakespearean tragedies also involve internal and external conflict as well as a battle of good vs. evil.
- At the end of a tragedy the audience experiences a release of pent up emotions called catharsis.
Keywords
Tragedy - a play dealing with tragic events and often ends with a death
Conventions - a way in which something is usually done
Catharsis - the process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions
Tragic hero - the central character of a play, film, etc., depicted as a noble figure who experiences a tragic downfall
Hamartia - a fatal flaw leading to the downfall of a tragic hero or heroine
Common misconception
That good vs. evil is easy to recognise in characters when reading stories or watching plays.
In tragedies, sometimes a character can embody both good and evil or there could be different perceptions of a character's nature.
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
- Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
having an excessively high opinion of oneself or one's own importance
desire and determination to achieve success
unhappiness and anger because someone has something you want