"Proceed
wisely and slow; they stumble that run fast."
Romeo and Juliet II, iii, 94 Introduction
Introduction:
Romeo and Juliet is probably the most globally produced
play of all time. While several movies have been produced based on this
story, this powerful love story has also been adapted as a ballet, an
opera, and a Broadway musical. The entire world knows it was written by
William Shakespeare in 1593, over four hundred years ago.
- Why is it that this story is so timeless? Why do ninth graders continue to read and love it year after year? What makes it a "classic"? "
- What similarities are there between Elizabethan England and Renaissance Italy?
- What impact do these times have on the characters and their behavior? (Some of this will be better understood after we watch the updated Baz Luhrmann 1996 version of the movie…. Are the characters really different or the same?)
- What is meant by "universal themes" and how is it that Shakespeare uses so many of them? (ie. Love vs. hate, young vs. old, wisdom vs. passion)
- Why does Shakespeare use comedic relief in a tragedy such as this? Why does he use literary techniques such as foreshadowing, which tells us in the prologue about the main characters? ("star crossed lovers take their life")
"Therefore love moderately. Long live doth so.
Too swift arrives as tardy as too slow."
Romeo and Juliet II.vi.14
The Task: As with the other areas of this unit, there will be two
parts of the task, one before we read the play and one will be due after
we complete it.
- Research
your answers by linking to websites in your chosen area
- Present
either the "nuts and bolts" by the end of the week and follow up with
a final project (ie. if you chose to build a replica of the Globe Theatre,
you would need more time)
Perhaps
your group will choose one of the following ideas:
- Make
a model/diorama of The Globe Theatre
-
Present an aspect of the history of English drama in a manner of your
choice (ie. Only males were actors - Why? Who attended the theatre?
Etc)
- Take
us on a tour of Stratford upon Avon in Shakespeare's day, sharing the
relevance of its history.
-
Create a powerpoint of the costumes of the times and/or bring in some
samples for us to enjoy (*think*- where might you find some of these?)
- Design
a costume for a masquerade ball
- Take
us on a tour of Verona, Italy, and help us to learn about the end of
the Italian Renaissance.
- Write
a review of the Capulet Masquerade Ball as if you were a gossip columnist
for the local paper. You can do this after we finish Act One)
***
Your group must have your plan approved by your teacher. If approved,
your project may be completed after Friday, but you must be able to present
the "nuts and bolts" of it as Part One is our preparation for the reading
of Romeo and Juliet.
Part
Two
After
viewing the movies and reading the play, you will write a compare and
contrast essay, in which you compare three aspects of the Franco Zeffirelli
1968 version to the 1996 Baz Luhrmann film. This essay will demonstrate
your understanding of the two time periods, while proving that Shakespeare's
play is indeed timeless.
"For never was a story of more woe than this
of Juliet and her Romeo."
Romeo and Juliet V, iii, 320
The
Process: As with the other areas of this unit, there will be two parts
of the process, one before we read the play and one will be due after
we complete it.
- You
will be divided into four groups. Discuss with your group what task
each of you will do.
- How
will you work together?
- Go
to your resources and explore. There are links to additional sites.
You may choose to go there but don't get lost in the forest of following
links!
- Note and bookmark your findings and take notes in your journal or on your taxonomy.
- Brainstorm
how you will present your findings.
- Meet
as a team daily, keep your work log, analyze your status, and develop
your plan. Review with your teacher how you are progressing.
- Save
copies of all graphic organizers or notes to be graded.
- Complete
and present your presentation.
Put
your Compare and Contrast
essay assignment in your folder and begin to think about what three
areas you will compare. Use
your Compare and Contrast
graphic organizer to take notes in your area of choice ie. Setting,
language, physical appearance/costumes, props/technology, music, opening
scene, fight scene, death scene, etc.)Follow
the plan of the written essay and be aware of due dates! "Parting is such sweet sorrow That I shall say "Good night" till it be morrow." Romeo and Juliet II, iii, 199
Conclusion:
This experience has given our class a broader understanding of a culture
and time period about which we might not have been familiar. It is hoped
that you will take this experience with you and apply it as you read other
works by William Shakespeare, the Bard, (you
know who that is now!). Also, please take this open thinking and understanding
of reading as you read other "old" (aka classic) books.
Evaluation:
"For never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo."
Romeo
and Juliet
Evaluation:
After
completing each part of this webquest, you will be assessed in two ways:
Second,
upon completing the essay portion, you will be graded by the teacher.
You will also complete the self-reflection for the entire webquest. Click
on this link to view the
Self Reflection.
2005
