Romeo and Juliet

Lesson 3
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ELA

Unit 11

9th Grade

Lesson 3 of 23

Objective


Analyze how Shakespeare continues to develop the theme of fate in act 1, scene 2.

Readings and Materials


  • Play: Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare  — Act 1, Scene 2 (pp. 27–33)

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Target Task


Multiple Choice

What do the lines “She hath not seen the change of fourteen years. Let two more summers wither in their pride ere we may think her ripe to be a bride” (lines 10–11) reveal about the relationship between Juliet and her father?

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Sample Response

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What is the main effect on the plot of the servingman asking Romeo for help reading the list of guests?

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Sample Response

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Writing Prompt

As we saw in the prologue, the role of fate in the lives of individuals plays a central role in this play. Explain how Shakespeare develops the idea that Romeo’s and Juliet’s destinies are controlled by fate in scene 2. Use evidence to support your answer.

Key Questions


  • What is Capulet’s answer to Paris’s request? Track his reasons for saying no.
  • What do we learn about Juliet’s relationship with her parents? What do we learn about the role of women in this time period?
  • Why does Capulet invite Paris to the party that evening? What does the invitation reveal about Capulet’s feelings about Paris?
  • What is getting in the way of the servingman being able to deliver the invitations to the party? Who does he ask for help?
  • How does this interaction between Romeo and the servingman impact the plot of the play? Track the ways.
  • How does it help to develop the theme of fate? 
  • What is Benvolio’s reason for encouraging Romeo to attend the party? How does Romeo respond to this?
  • Romeo and Benvolio disagree about the goal of Romeo attending the Capulet party. Whose goal do you think will be accomplished? What evidence supports your answer?

Notes


The number of pages assigned for each lesson varies some. The teacher should adjust by having students act out parts of the scene after reading on days when the pages are fewer. Teachers can also choose to assign some pages for homework on days when the reading is longer.

Next

Analyze Shakespeare’s characterization of the three female characters introduced in act 1, scene 3.

Lesson 4
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Lesson Map

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