Title: R & J Journal/Short Writing Assignment
Course: Romeo and Juliet Sample Unit

English 9
Romeo and Juliet Journal Topics

Directions: During the course of the play, you will be expected to write one journal entry responding to one of the following topics. Journals should be 500 words or of comparable length/detailed description if doing the alternative format.

a) Throughout the play, Shakespeare uses imagery that foreshadows the death of Romeo and Juliet. Find at least five of these images, explain how they foreshadow the death of R & J, and explain what attitudes about death these images reflect. Pay particular attention to Friar Laurence's initial speech in Act II, scene 3. Include quotes to support your points.

b) Parent/child relationships seem fraught with tension and conflict in this play. From Lord Montague's concern about Romeo in Act I to the collective Capulet tantrum in Act III, they just can't seem to understand each other. What's the deal? Use lines from the play to back up your points.

c) Write a two paragraph journal entry that articulates your ideas of what Juliet's subtext might be in her conversations with Paris (in 4.1) or her father (in 4.2). Be as imaginative and creative as possible, but you must stay within appropriate boundaries of plot and taste. Be sure to justify your ideas with evidence from the text.

d) Fate: a favorite subject of the ancient Greek playwrights Shakespeare so admired. Unlike them, however, Shakespeare leaves the question of fate a little more open-ended. Find several passages discussing "stars" and/or "fate/destiny." In your opinion, how much of the outcome was within the power of Romeo or Juliet to change, and how much did Shakespeare make it seem as if Fate were actually conspiring against them? How much was for dramatic effect--meant to produce dramatic irony and create tension for the story? Use quotes from the text to support your points.

e) Wise advice? Advice is plentiful in this play. Any number of supporting characters doles it out to the hapless heroes as they work their way toward the climax of the plot. Is any of it any good? Give examples of good and bad advice and explain why you think it is good or bad advice. In the end, in your opinion, whom do you think is most to blame for how things turned out? Why? USE QUOTES to support your points.

f) Alternative journal format for ONE of the two journals: With particular issues in mind from one of the above topics, construct an alternative ending to the act by having characters choose to react differently to some of the challenges they face in that act. In other words, create your own "Romeo and Juliet, Choose Your Own Adventure" chapter.

g) The Ultimate Romeo and Juliet: Develop a plan for a film production of Romeo and Juliet detailing sets and costumes as well as props and scene set-up directions. Include possible casting wish lists and brief descriptions as to why you think that actor would be particularly suited for that role.

Reminder: You only need to respond to ONE of the seven topics.