Comprehension

1. Why does Juliet not appear to be dead? (Lines 1-6)

2. What Romeo call 'death' in line 9?

3. Why does he think death is keeping Juliet in this dark place?

4. What reason does Romeo give for committing suicide?

5. What Friar Lawrence see as he enters the tomb?

6. What is the first question Juliet asks when she awakens?

7. What, according to Friar Lawrence, has caused his plan to fail?

8. Where does Friar Lawrence want to send Juliet?

9. Why is Juliet upset when she sees that the cup of poison is empty?

10. Why does Juliet hurry her final act?

ANALYSIS

1. In lines 1-6 Romeo says that Juliet does not appear to be dead. Explain the dramatic irony in what he says. What effect does the irony of the situation have?

· It increases tension and suspense.

· It adds an element of humour.

· It makes the audience more involved.

· It makes the scene more tragic.

2. Find two examples of personification in Romeo's speech.

3. Throughout the play Romeo says that he is a victim of fate. In which line does Romeo repeat that destiny has been cruel to him?

4. By committing suicide Romeo believes that he will be reunited with Juliet spiritually, so in his final speech he focuses on the physical aspects of their love. Underline the parts of the body he mentions.

5. Several times during the play life is compared to a sea journey. How does themetaphor in line 24 extend this image?

6. When Friar Lawrence enters the tomb he speaks in exclamations and questions. What does the way he speaks reveal about his state of mind?

7. Juliet notices that Romeo's lips are still warm and therefore that he is not dead long. How does this add to the tragedy of the scene?

8. Find references to the setting in the scene you have read. How do you imagine the stage should be set for this scene? What kind of atmosphere do you think the setting should create?

WRITER’S WORKSHOP

Tragedy. Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy. ◊ This is a form of drama in which the chief character, the tragic hero, undergoes a series of misfortunes which eventually lead to his downfall. The hero passes from a state of happiness to a state of despair because of some weakness - tragic flaw - in himself. The tragic hero is an important man of high social standing. He is not evil - he is a mixture of good and bad. The audience understands his weakness but feels pity for him because his misfortunes are greater than he deserves. He is usually doomed from the beginning and there are often premonitions of his downfall in what he says. It is often fate or supernatural elements that control his destiny, and death is generally the only escape he can find from pain and suffering. Romeo is a good example of a tragic hero. He belongs to an important family. A series of unfortunate events lead to his downfall: he falls in love with Juliet - daughter of his enemies the Capulets -, he kills Tybalt in a street fight, he does not receive Friar Lawrence's message.... Romeo's tragic flaw is his impulsiveness and his passionate nature. He becomes totally engrossed in his love for Juliet and he does not consider the consequences of what he is doing.

Task

Romeo's tragic flaw is his impulsiveness. Have you found any evidence of this trait in the extracts you have read? What are the qualities that make the audience feel pity for Romeo?

Over to you ◊ Can you name any other famous tragic heroes/heroines? Choose one of them, do some research and briefly tell his/her story.

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