Title: R & J Journal for Act I-III
Course: Romeo and Juliet Sample Unit Simple Topics Forma > Section: Acts III-IV

Romeo and Juliet Journal Topics
Act I-III

Directions: First, watch this video: Romeo and Juliet Part II: Crash Course English Literature.

Then write one journal entry responding to one of the following topics. Journals should be a minimum of 500 words.

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) 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.

Reminder: You only need to respond to ONE of these topics for this journal.

Grading form:

General Journal Rubric

This is a general rubric template for checking journal assignments.

Attention to text or support for analysis

- no supporting allusions or quotes
- a few superficial allusions or quotes
- adequate supports using allusions or quotes
- excellent use of supporting details and/or quotes
Attention to mechanics

- little to no attention paid to mechanics
- some attention paid to mechanics, but one or two glaring errors present
- some attention paid to mechanics; one or two minor errors
- careful editing is evident
Ideas and Content

- Misses point or remains entirely on the surface
- One or two insights present, but could use more thought or reflection
- Some interesting insights; may have one minor logic error, but for most part offers new understanding
- Well-thought out and insightful response