Click here to download a version of this section in Microsoft Word format.

EXTENDED WRITING OPPORTUNITIES Tasks that encourage own writing Many of the characters in the play have names that suggest the type of person they turn out to be. Research the names of characters from the play. How many can you track down? Write a story of your own where characters' names indicate their personality. What must it have been like for the people who lived in Verona who did not belong to either of the two families? The Prologue mentions 'mutiny'. Write a letter from someone living in Verona to a friend who lives in Mantua, describing what it is like to be in the town whilst the events of the play are happening. Tasks about the play How well-matched do you believe Romeo and Juliet to be? [Think about their social positions, maturity, personalities.] Is the play about love or hate? Write about both themes in the play. The Prologue describes Romeo and Juliet as 'star-cross'd lovers'. Does this description help us to understand the play? Juliet seems to have two mothers, the Nurse and Lady Capulet. Write descriptions of the Nurse and Lady Capulet, giving examples to show what you mean. Mercutio is a friend of Romeo's and Tybalt is Juliet's cousin. Write descriptions of Mercutio and Tybalt, giving examples to show what you mean. Choose one of the quarrels in the play. How does the language used add to the impact of what is happening on stage? As the play progresses, the atmosphere gets more and more tense. Choose one scene from the play where you think the atmosphere is very tense and explain how this is created. Do you feel sorry for any of the older people in the play? Write about three people from: Prince Escalus, Juliet's parents, Romeo's parents, Friar Lawrence and the Nurse. Imagine you are the producer of the play. You are about to rehearse the scene where Romeo appears in Juliet's garden, sometimes called the balcony scene [Act 2 scene 2]. The actors playing the two lovers have asked for your advice about how to tackle this famous moment. What advice would you give them? Tell them about each character's personality Talk about the way each character uses language Remind them of the dangers each of them faces Point out how tension is developed in the scene