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Section 4: Overview

Star-Crossed Lovers

We will read the remaining scenes in Act 3 and all of Acts 4 and 5 of Romeo and Juliet, as well as determine how themes are fully developed in the final scenes of the play. We will view selected scenes from the Zeffirelli and Luhrman film adaptations and participate in a formal discussion to evaluate whether the directors’ choices enhance or detract from the themes found in the play.

  • Lesson 1:

    We will revise a sample unelaborated response to practice thorough analysis and elaboration, effective connection among ideas, and effective and correct integration of quotations.

  • Lesson 2:

    We will view the Zeffirelli and Luhrmann film adaptations of Act 3, Scene 1 of Romeo and Juliet and analyze how the directors’ choices enhance or detract from the themes found in the play.

  • Lesson 3:

    We will read Act 3, Scenes 2 and 3 of the play and examine Juliet and Romeo’s reaction to the tragic events of the previous scene.

  • Lesson 4:

    We will read the final scene of Act 3 of Romeo and Juliet. We will analyze the use of imagery in the scene, and we will examine changing character relationships.

  • Lesson 5:

    We will read Act 4, Scenes 1–3 of Romeo and Juliet. We will examine the motivation and actions of Juliet as the events of the play worsen around her.

  • Lesson 6:

    We will read Act 4, Scenes 4 and 5 of Romeo and Juliet. We will examine the character development of Lord Capulet, Lady Capulet, and the Nurse. We will also read Act 5, Scene 1 and examine the character development of Romeo and how a theme is further developed in the play.

  • Lesson 7:

    We will read Lines 1–175 in Act 5, Scene 3, the final scene of Romeo and Juliet. We will analyze the characterization of Romeo and Juliet and the effects of dramatic irony and figurative language in the scene.

  • Lesson 8:

    We will read the final lines of Act 5, Scene 3 and discuss the resolution of the play. We will work in small groups to complete Part 1 of a gallery walk.

  • Lesson 9:

    We will participate in Parts 2, 3, and 4 of the gallery walk to deepen our understanding of themes found in Romeo and Juliet.

  • Lesson 10:

    We will view and analyze Act 5, Scene 3 in both the Zeffirelli and Luhrman film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. We will complete our Film-Theme Note-Taking Tool in preparation for the Section Diagnostic.

  • Lesson 11:

    We will read one of the original source material Shakespeare used when writing Romeo and Juliet. We will explore how his choices as a playwright enhanced or detracted from the themes found in “The Story of Pyramus and Thisbe.”

  • Lesson 12:

    We will participate in a philosophical chairs discussion where we create and defend a claim about the directors’ choices in transforming Romeo and Juliet.

  • Lesson 13:

    We will review the teacher’s feedback on our Section Diagnostic and will use the feedback to make revisions to our work.

  • Lesson 14:

    We will share the analyses we have made about our independent reading texts and make connections to the unit. We will plan a final product to share our experiences from reading independently and the knowledge we have gained.