ROJ - Romeo and Juliet Lesson

English_Lesson_TopBanner.png Romeo and Juliet Romeo & Juliet Universal Themes Forbidden love, the pureness of love at first sight feuding families, and teenage romance are all universal themes found in the play.

The prologue of Romeo and Juliet calls the title characters "star-crossed lovers"—and the stars do seem to conspire against these young lovers. Romeo is a Montague, and Juliet a Capulet. Their families are enmeshed in a feud, but the moment they meet—when Romeo and his friends attend a party at Juliet's house in disguise—the two fall in love and quickly decide that they want to be married. (Source Links to an external site.)

The basic story of two "star crossed lovers" who come from opposing families had been around for years before it became popularized in Shakespeare's play, Romeo and Juliet. Arguably one of his most recognizable plays, it has been performed and adapted thousands of times into films, theatre, and music, and continues to have a major impact on society today.

Romeo and Juliet encompasses a range of themes and remains a timeless love story because it appeals to many of our romantic sensibilities. Forbidden love, the pureness of love at first sight, feuding families, and teenage romance are all themes that individuals of all generations can relate too. Consequently, Romeo and Juliet continues to be adapted in popular culture because it still has a major impact on both younger demographics and older generations, who reminisce on this timeless tale of teenage romance. (Source Links to an external site.)

Tips for Reading Shakespeare

There is a reason that students are intimidated when teachers assign Shakespeare. The language is complex and poetic and it was written a long time ago! But there is a richness of detail, brilliance of language, and deep exploration of themes in Shakespeare that makes the read incredibly worthwhile and rewarding. Take a look at some simple tips below to use as you are reading Shakespeare.

Tips For Reading Shakespeare DON'T EXPECT TO KNOW EVERY WORD ON THE FIRST READ Soak in the larger ideas and the larger significance of the play not what a random word means. Consider reading an online version with a glossary to help. BOOKMARK THE CHARACTER LIST. Shakespearean plays have a lot of characters - refer back for an easy guide as to who they are READ SUMMARIES. Yes, you read that right By knowing the basic plot of the story. you can pay closer attention to HOW Shakespeare tells a story LISTEN TO THE AUDIO AND READ IT OUT LOUD Hearing the play and reading it out loud helps you to understand the story and hear the flow of Shakespeare's language! PAY ATTENTION TO PUNCTUATION. Sometimes the thought doesn't end until the next line - Make sure to read from punctuation to punctuation don't pause at the end of the line!

Reading Romeo and Juliet

It is now time to read this well-known Shakespearean play. You will read all five acts of the play. You may read the play online, download the play, and/or listen to the play in an audio format. Options are available for free online, but there are other versions available for purchase.

PDF Version of Romeo and Juliet Links to an external site.

Audio Recording of Romeo and Juliet Links to an external site.

Online Version of the Text Links to an external site.

Character Guide Links to an external site.

Below is a list of each scene in each act of the play. The notes next to the scene indicate the general setting for the scene. Keep in mind that you will be tested over the full text of the play. A study guide is also linked for personal review and guidance as you read. Links to an external site. Consult your course schedule for a reading timeline.

PrologueArtistic renderings of death scene in Romeo and Juliet

Act I

  • Scene 1. Verona. A public place.
  • Scene 2. A street.
  • Scene 3. A room in Capulet's house.
  • Scene 4. A street.
  • Scene 5. A hall in Capulet's house.

Act II

  • Prologue
  • Scene 1. A lane by the wall of Capulet's orchard.
  • Scene 2. Capulet's orchard.
  • Scene 3. Friar Laurence's cell.
  • Scene 4. A street.
  • Scene 5. Capulet's orchard.
  • Scene 6. Friar Laurence's cell.

Act III

  • Scene 1. A public place.
  • Scene 2. Capulet's orchard.
  • Scene 3. Friar Laurence's cell.
  • Scene 4. A room in Capulet's house.
  • Scene 5. Capulet's orchard.

Act IV

  • Scene 1. Friar Laurence's cell.
  • Scene 2. Hall in Capulet's house.
  • Scene 3. Juliet's chamber.
  • Scene 4. Hall in Capulet's house.
  • Scene 5. Juliet's chamber.

Act V

  • Scene 1. Mantua. A street.
  • Scene 2. Friar Laurence's cell.
  • Scene 3. A churchyard; in it a tomb belonging to the Capulets.

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