Romeo and Juliet

Lesson 10
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ELA

Unit 11

9th Grade

Lesson 10 of 23

Objective


Examine the differences between Romeo the lover and Romeo the friend.

Readings and Materials


  • Play: Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare  — Act 2, Scene 4 (pp. 91–103)

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Target Task


Multiple Choice

The first half of the scene is used to reveal

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Sample Response

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What is the most important way in which this scene advances the plot of the play?

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Sample Response

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What is the most significant effect of Mercutio’s reference to Laura and Petrarch in this scene?

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Sample Response

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Writing Prompt

In addition to the families’ feud, what other conflict do we learn about in this scene that might get in the way of Romeo and Juliet’s love? Explain using evidence from the text.

Key Questions


  • Have students reread Friar Lawrence’s final line from the previous scene. What is the meaning and significance of this line? How does it relate to theme?
  • Who has challenged Romeo to a duel? Think or look back and recall why.
  • What does Mercutio mean when he says, “poor Romeo, he is already dead” in line 14.
  • Based on lines 25–30, what is Mercutio’s opinion of Tybalt? What do these lines suggest that Mercutio values?
  • Describe Mercutio and Romeo’s interaction over the course of lines 40–95. (If more prompting is needed: What does Mercutio accuse Romeo of and what is Romeo’s defense? What kinds of puns are they using? Why?)
  • In lines 40–95, what is Shakespeare suggesting about Romeo’s true identity? About how Romeo’s friends feel about his romance?
  • How do Romeo’s friends treat the nurse?
  • In line 168, what does the nurse mean when she says, “If you should deal double with her…”?

Notes


Mercutio makes reference to both Petrarch and his muse, Laura, in this scene. Ask students to recall what these references are meant to remind the reader of.

Next

Analyze how Shakespeare develops the theme of young love in act 2, scenes 5-6.

Identify instances of foreshadowing in act 2, scenes 5-6.

Lesson 11
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