Week 6 Syllabus: April 29
THERE ARE THREE PRIMARY INTERPRETATIONS of Shakespeare's tragedy, Romeo & Juliet: 1) scholars who see the play as an indictment of civic responsibility, that the feuding families' hatred cause the tragic death of their children; 2) scholars who see individual responsibility and tragic character flaw within Romeo and Juliet themselves, whose lust and rash desire result in their downfall, and 3) scholars who view the play as an indictment against institutional failure--the church, the politic--who fail to protect young adults from life's harsh reality. These are only three, of course, but are common interpretations. What do YOU think the play is about? What does Shakespeare want YOU to learn from his tragic play?
MONDAY, April 29
Today we will begin a close reading of Act 1.
In small groups, examining I.i and I.ii. Some interpreting of lines, and then writing about their importance in the context of the play.
After quote analysis, answering some study guide questions on scenes one and two.
HW: If you haven’t finished reading Act 1, you should have. Get caught up!
WEDNESDAY, May 1
Watching the 1968 Zefferelli film version of Romeo and Juliet, prologue to act one, and I.i and I.ii.
Small group work on the act one study guide, I.iii.
HW: If you have act one scenes one through three study guide complete, no homework.
THURSDAY, May 2
Watching act one of the Zefferelli film.
Completing the study guide for act one.
Performing the meeting between Romeo and Juliet.
HW: Read act two. Just as with act one, pay attention to extremes and opposites in your marginal notes!