how to start romeo and juliet essay

How to Write a Romeo and Juliet Essay ( OCR GCSE English Literature )

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How to Write a Romeo and Juliet Essay

Your OCR GCSE English Literature exam will include questions on the Shakespeare play that you’ve been studying.

You will have 50 minutes to complete one Romeo and Juliet question from a choice of two options:

Either a question based on an extract (of about 40 lines) from Romeo and Juliet

Or a “discursive” essay question, which is not based on any extract

You will not have access to a copy of Romeo and Juliet for either of these two options, so it’s important that you know the plot of the play very well. Examiners want you to track themes or character development by referring to key parts of the play. A good tip is to consider the way the theme or character has been introduced, how they develop, and how the play’s ending presents them. OCR examiners state that, for the Romeo and Juliet essay, you need to use evidence from elsewhere in the play, even for the extract-based question : to get a Grade 9, it’s not enough to rely on the text from the extract. See our Romeo and Juliet Quotations and Analysis revision note page for key quotations you can use in your answer.

How do you start a Romeo and Juliet essay?

It’s always daunting when you know you have 50 minutes to write only one long answer. So how do you start writing? It might sound frightening, but the answer is: don’t start writing. With such limited time, preparation is key, so try not to rush into it.

The single most important thing you can do in order to get the highest mark on your Romeo and Juliet essay is to hold off on writing anything before you make a plan. A plan should include your general answer to the question, and then some references from across the play that will support your argument. For both the OCR extract-based question and the discursive essay, examiners award the highest marks to students who create a “coherent line of argument” and who maintain a “focus on the question” and a “critical style”. What do these phrases actually mean?

By creating a plan before you start writing, you are ensuring that your essay covers all three of these points.

Your plan could look something like this:

How do you structure a Romeo and Juliet essay?

OCR Examiners give the highest marks to students who have managed to create a “coherent line of argument” throughout their essay. One of the best ways to achieve this is – before you start writing – to form your own answer to the question: this is your interpretation or argument. Once you have done this, you can plan how to structure your ideas. This means considering how each paragraph will analyse a different point in your argument, and choosing relevant evidence from across the play to support your ideas. To achieve a grade 9, OCR recommends that students include an introduction , clearly organised paragraphs and a conclusion .  If you look at the example plan above, you will see that the example plan includes a “ thesis statement ” and “ topic questions ”. See how to include these into your essay below:

Top tips for structuring your Romeo and Juliet essay

Always begin with a clear thesis statement that sets out your argument:

Your thesis statement should be one or two sentences that focus on the question you’ve been set

It can also include a reference to what you think Shakespeare’s overall message might be

For a character-based question, consider what the character represents or how they convey a theme 

You could consider genre:

For example, the fact that Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy

Include three or four paragraphs in your essay:

Including more paragraphs can result in a vague essay that doesn’t specifically answer the question – writing more about less leads to a coherent essay

For the extract question, remember to spend some time considering the rest of the play, such as how the character has changed or will change by the end

Each paragraph should begin with a topic sentence:

This is one sentence that sets out the argument of the paragraph

Topic sentences should always be directly related to your thesis statement

All the evidence (quotes or references) should prove your topic sentence

Finish your essay with a short conclusion:

The conclusion shouldn’t include any new evidence

Try to reuse the words of the question, and the words in your thesis statement

As it should sum up your argument, it may help to reread your introduction

Some schools and teachers recommend students use a “writing frame” for structuring essay paragraphs. This usually takes the form of an acronym, like PEE (Point, Evidence, Explanation).

This is a good way to help you achieve the objectives on the mark scheme, but do make sure it does not limit your analysis. For example, OCR examiners want to see you explore an idea thoroughly before moving onto another piece of evidence. But what does this mean? It does not mean repeating what you have said in different words. Instead, it means that you should consider the evidence you use in the wider context of the play, or a particular character’s development. For example, rather than simply analysing a metaphor in a particular line, consider if this is typical language for that character, how it may be received by other characters and, importantly, how it is delivered to the audience and what they know at this point.

To see an example of how to include these elements in your essay, see our model answer for the OCR Romeo and Juliet extract question , and a model answer for the Romeo and Juliet discursive essay question .

Romeo and Juliet essay top tips

Shakespeare, William. Complete Works of William Shakespeare . Edited by Peter Alexander, HarperCollins, 1994. Accessed 26 March 2024.

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Romeo And Juliet Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on romeo and juliet.

Romeo and Juliet is the most famous love tragedy written by William Shakespeare. This is a story of love and fate. Furthermore, the basis of this tragic love story is the Old Italian tale translated into English in the sixteenth century. The story is about two young star-crossed lovers whose death results in reconcile between their feuding families. Moreover, Romeo and Juliet is among the most frequently performed plays by Shakespeare .

Lessons of Love from Romeo and Juliet

First of all, Romeo and Juliet teach us that love is blind. Romeo and Juliet belonged to two influential families. Furthermore, these two families were engaged in a big feud among themselves. However, against all odds, Romeo and Juliet find each other and fall in love. Most noteworthy, they are blind to the fact that they are from rival families. They strive to be together in spite of the threat of hate between their families.

Another important lesson is that love brings out the best in us. Most noteworthy, Romeo and Juliet were very different characters by the end of the story than in the beginning. Romeo was suffering from depression before he met Juliet. Furthermore, Juliet was an innocent timid girl. Juliet was forced into marriage against her will by her parents. After falling in love, the personalities of these characters changed in positive ways. Romeo becomes a deeply passionate lover and Juliet becomes a confident woman.

Life without love is certainly not worth living. Later in the story, Romeo learns that his beloved Juliet is dead. At this moment Romeo felt a heart-shattering moment. Romeo then gets extremely sad and drinks poison. However, Juliet was alive and wakes up to see Romeo dead. Juliet then immediately decides to kill herself due to this massive heartbreak. Hence, both lovers believed that life without love is not worth living.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Legacy of Romeo and Juliet

Romeo and Juliet is one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays. Furthermore, the play was very popular even in Shakespeare’s lifetime. Scholar Gary Taylor believes it as the sixth most popular of Shakespeare’s plays. Moreover, Sir William Davenant of the Duke’s Company staged Romeo and Juliet in 1662. The earliest production of Romeo and Juliet was in North America on 23 March 1730.

There were professional performances of Romeo and Juliet in the mid-19th century. In 19th century America, probably the most elaborate productions of Romeo and Juliet took place. The first professional performance of the play in Japan seems to be George Crichton Miln’s company’s production in 1890. In the 20th century, Romeo and Juliet became the second most popular play behind Hamlet.

There have been at least 24 operas based on Romeo and Juliet. The best-known ballet version of this play is Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet. Most noteworthy, Romeo and Juliet have a huge impact on literature. Romeo and Juliet made romance as a worthy topic for tragedy. Before Romeo and Juliet, romantic tragedy was certainly unthinkable.

Romeo and Juliet are probably the most popular romantic fictional characters. They have been an inspiration for lovers around the world for centuries. Most noteworthy, the story depicts the struggle of the couple against a patriarchal society. People will always consider Romeo and Juliet as archetypal young lovers.

Q1 State any one lesson of love from Romeo and Juliet?

A1 One lesson of love from Romeo and Juliet is that love brings out the best in us.

Q2 What makes Romeo and Juliet unique in literature?

A2 Romeo and Juliet made romance as a worthy topic for tragedy. This is what makes it unique.

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The Definitive Guide to Analysing Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’: Summary, Context, Themes & Characters

Thinking to yourself, “Notes, o notes, wherefore art my notes?” Well, if you’re struggling with your analysis of Romeo and Juliet for English, we’ve got your back with a summary featuring the key characters, context and themes!

On top of that, we’ve got a free example of an analysis table (also known as a TEE table ) and a sample paragraph on Romeo and Juliet for you to download! 

So, let’s dive into our analysis of Romeo and Juliet! 

Romeo and Juliet Summary Key Characters in Romeo and Juliet Context Themes Explored in Romeo and Juliet Analysis of Romeo and Juliet

Summary of Romeo and Juliet

Romeo and Juliet is a tragic love story by Shakespeare about two lovers who are not meant to be together as they come from feuding families.

To summarise it, Romeo of the Montagues and Juliet of the Capulets were born to be sworn enemies due to the life long conflict between their families. Yet, they embarked in a forbidden love together that led to their deaths, which finally reconciles the two families. 

The play is set out in five acts and we’ll dive into more detail on what happens during each of the acts. 

Access the Romeo and Juliet Downloadable Sample Paragraph and Examples of Analysis PDF here!

Act I of the play starts with a Chorus who introduces two powerful families in the City of Verona, Italy. These are the Montagues and Capulets, who have been on bad terms with one another for a long time.

The Capulets are holding a party for their daughter, Juliet, to meet Count Paris for an arranged marriage. Meanwhile, Romeo, the son of Montague, disguises himself and crashes the party with his friends in hopes of seeing Rosaline, his previous lover.

Instead, Romeo falls in love at first sight when he meets Juliet and the two become very attracted to each other. 

However, Romeo and Juliet soon discover that they come from opposing families and realise their doomed love . At the same time, Tybalt who is Juliet’s cousin, recognises Romeo and drives Romeo and his friends out from the Capulet house. 

In Act II, as Romeo’s friends were leaving the Capulet place, Romeo stays behind to find Juliet. Romeo sees Juliet in her window, and they confess their love for one another and agree to marry the next day .

Romeo runs to Friar Laurence, who agrees to help as he believes Romeo and Juliet’s marriage will end the feud between the Montagues and Capulets. With the help of Juliet’s nurse and Friar Laurence, Romeo and Juliet marry in secret. 

In Act III, Tybalt challenges Romeo to a fight. Romeo declines the fight and remains calm while being disrespected by Tybalt. This angers Romeo’s friend, Mercutio who starts a fight with Tybalt.

Romeo tries to stop the fight, but Mercutio is accidentally killed . Enraged, Romeo chases Tybalt down and kills him.

The Prince of Verona banishes Romeo for his crimes. Before Romeo leaves for Mantua, Friar Laurence helps Romeo and Juliet stay the night together.

Meanwhile, Lord Capulet arranges for Paris and Juliet to wed the next day. Juliet is upset because she does not want to marry Paris, and this angers her parents as they do not know about Juliet’s secret affair with Romeo. 

In Act IV, Juliet asks Friar Lawrence for help and he gives her a sleeping potion that will make her appear dead . The next morning, the Capulet family finds Juliet in her bed and believes that she had died.

Friar Laurence sends a messenger to inform Romeo about Juliet’s plan and instructs Romeo to collect a sleeping Juliet from the Capulet house. 

Act V is the most intense part of the story as the very important message did not reach Romeo in time due to the plague that delayed the messenger’s journey.

Instead, Romeo hears the news of Juliet’s death and buys himself poison. Romeo goes to Juliet’s tomb in the Capulet’s house, kills a grieving Paris, drinks the poison and dies before Juliet wakes up.

Friar Laurence enters but is too late. He tells Juliet what had happened and Juliet stabs herself from heartbreak.

Friar Laurence, the Prince, the Capulets and the Montague father come together and agree to make peace following the children’s death. 

Romeo and Juliet Characters

In case you’ve missed anything, here is a list of the key characters in Romeo and Juliet who are pivotal to the plot. 

Romeo Montague Romeo is the handsome son of the head of Montagues and is 16 years old. He is sensitive, though he can become quite impulsive when his emotions get the better of him. Unlike his friends, Romeo is not interested in violence but passionate about love. At the beginning of the play, Romeo was madly in love with Rosaline before falling in love with Juliet. Furthermore, Romeo shares his love for his own friends and family too, including Mercutio and Friar Laurence. 

Juliet Capulet Juliet is the beautiful 13 year old daughter of the Capulet family. Juliet starts off as a naive girl who knows little about love but soon gains the courage to go against her father’s wishes to marry Romeo in secret instead of marrying Paris like her father wanted. She’s loyal and trusts Romeo wholeheartedly, choosing to support Romeo despite him killing off her cousin, Tybalt. 

Friar Laurence  Friar Laurence is a Franciscan friar who helps Romeo and Juliet. He is a nice man who is also skilled in herbs and potion making. He always has a plan to help Romeo and Juliet in hopes that their relationship will calm the tension between two families and bring peace. 

Mercutio Mercutio is Romeo’s best friend and he is quite the character. He is loud, opinionated, and charismatic with a bombastic attitude that’s flowing in wit and sarcasm. He also has quite a hot temper. Unlike Romeo, Mercutio is highly hedonistic as he tries to convince Romeo to see love as a sexual pursuit. 

Tybalt Tybalt is Juliet’s cousin from her mother’s side. He is often protective over his family and he acts aggressive and violent whenever he feels offended. He absolutely hates the Montagues. 

Context of Romeo and Juliet

Shakespeare had written Romeo and Juliet based on the true love story from the 3rd century about two Italian lovers who come from the families Cappelletti and Montecchi . The play was written during the Renaissance period where there were great changes in religion, politics, science and the arts. 

When the play was written, Europe had just undergone ‘The Reformation’, where it transitioned from being a traditional Catholic nation to a Protestant society. When Europe was a Catholic society, mortal sin such as bigamy (where you marry someone else while being married to one person) was punished severely.

However, as it progressed into a Protestant nation that broke free from the strict rules of Catholicism, society gained more freedom and less oppression . As people exercised more freedom, they explored notions of humanism which is a Renaissance concept of individual power over their own lives. 

Fate and Destiny

Even so, the Elizabethan people still highly believed that their lives were tied to fate and destiny. If you think astrology is popular now, it was actually all the hype during the Elizabethan era!

Elizabethans would plan their whole lives based on astrology readings, including their love lives, travels and more depending on whether the stars favoured them.

As such, Elizabethans valued providentialism, the belief that they have no power in changing their fate as everything in their lives is already ‘predestined’ for them. 

Family Values

Family values were also kept quite traditional, as the Elizabethan society remained patriarchal. This means that the father was always the head of the household while the women were left with no rights, properties or legal authority , though they can influence their husbands’ decisions.

Children were also used as property and often engaged in arranged marriages as part of a political or financial deal to gain wealth.

Romeo and Juliet may seem too young to be married but in the Elizabethan years, it was considered normal for people to marry young.

As such, love was perceived to be a dream for Elizabethans who often enter into arranged marriages. It is often restrained with little contact between “lovers”, and the only expressions of love come in gifts, letters and poems.

This is perhaps why the Elizabethan audience were so enticed by Romeo and Juliet’s passionate love for one another , as this was rarely seen in their society. 

Appreciation for Theatre

That being said, plays were highly popular in the Elizabethan theatres. Here is where the rich and poor gather in rowdy crowds to watch plays.

Poorer people stood near the stages while richer people watched from stands above. As such, Shakespearean plays became really popular in this era , as there was a great appreciation for the arts across all groups from all backgrounds.  

Romeo and Juliet Themes

Here are three key themes from Romeo and Juliet. Feel free to look to these for inspiration when you’re planning to write your thesis and topic sentences in your essay . 

Fate VS Free Will

Shakespeare lived in a transition period where people were starting to gain their own freedom to live their lives, yet were still tied to the notions of fate and destiny. You can see this with his characters, Romeo and Juliet, who try to exercise their free will by choosing to be with one another despite their opposing family history.

Yet, it is Romeo and Juliet’s own actions and decisions that ultimately led to their doomed fate. This reinforces the Elizabethan belief that fate and destiny govern our lives, even when we try to control it ourselves. 

Some key quotes that explore this idea include: 

Love VS Conflict

It would be nice to say that “love conquers all” in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, but it’s not as simple as that. 

Love and conflict coexist within this text. The love between Romeo and Juliet is seen as a sign of hope to bring peace to the ongoing feud between the Montagues and Capulets.

However, the conflict between families grew so violent that it had caused the deaths of their beloved children and the love between them. Ultimately, Shakespeare shows us that love affects conflict, and conflict affects love. 

Here are some quotes that allow you to explore this a bit deeper: 

The Freedom of Youth Rebellion

Have you ever wanted to do whatever you felt like, without your parents butting in?

If that’s a yes from you, you’ll probably be able to relate to Romeo and Juliet. These two are also young teenagers who rebel against their parents’ wishes and express their individuality through their love for one another.

However, an excess of youthful spirit can also lead to dire consequences, as Romeo and Juliet’s unbridled passion for one another led to their unfortunate end. 

Here are some key quotes that relate to this theme:

If none of these themes resonate with you, here are some other ideas that you may find interesting: 

• External conflict VS internal conflict 
• The conflict between independence VS family obligation 
• The consequences of unbridled emotions 

How to Analyse Romeo and Juliet in 3 Steps

Students often jump right into answering the question when writing their thesis for their essays. Many don’t realise that it is only after you’ve analysed your text that you can write an amazing thesis that not only answers the question, but proves that you really do know the text inside out. 

Let’s go through the three simple steps you can take to analyse Romeo and Juliet and ace that essay!

Step 1: Select your example(s)

You may be thinking to yourself, “There’s lots happening in Romeo and Juliet so where do I even start?”

A great place to start is to look for an example with a technique . This technique can offer a deeper insight into the text, which will help you form an in-depth analysis. 

Here are two quotes we have selected to focus on the theme of fate VS free will: 

“It is the east, and Juliet is the sun” 

“I defy you, stars!” 

Step 2: Identify your technique(s) 

Students often fall into the trap of listing every technique they can find or using highly complicated techniques in hopes of getting a good mark. This is not true! 

It is better to find a technique which allows you to talk about your theme in more depth and build your argument throughout your essay. 

Techniques that provide a deeper understanding of the text include symbols, metaphors, recurring motifs, allegories, connotations and similes. Try to avoid using surface level techniques such as alliteration or repetition. 

The three techniques found in the quotes above include simile, symbolism and allusion to astrology. 

If you can, try to find a few techniques within one quote to help you kill two birds with one stone! 

Step 3: Write the analysis 

When you’re writing an analysis, try not to list out every technique you can find in the quote. It is very important to explain what the effect of the technique is and how that relates to your argument.

An example of listing out techniques looks like this:

Simile is used as Romeo refers to Juliet as the metaphorical “Sun” and uses the symbolism of astrology as he “def(ies) you, stars” to allude to fate versus free will.  

To avoid this, we need to go into how each of these techniques support our argument.

First of all, the simile of Juliet being like the “Sun” reveals Romeo’s love for Juliet that transcends beyond their families’ feud. The symbol of the “Sun” is also important to emphasise the fated doom between the two star crossed lovers.

The allusion to astrology in “I defy you, stars!” shows how fate governs Romeo and Juliet’s relationship. Once we put these techniques together, our analysis will look like: 

Shakespeare’s simile in Romeo’s description of Juliet as the “Sun” reveals their perception that their love can transcend beyond the boundaries of their families’ strife. Yet, the symbolism of the “Sun” reminds the audience that Romeo and Juliet still remain as “star crossed lovers” who are destined to die despite their efforts to overcome their fated doom. As Romeo proclaims “I defy you, stars” before submitting to his fate, the astrological allusion reinforces how destiny continues to govern their lives, reinstating the Elizabethan belief that fate will always overpower free will.  

You’ve made it to the end! Find another sample analysis paragraph of Romeo and Juliet here !

Need some help with your essay analysis of other texts aside from Romeo and Juliet?

Check out other texts we’ve created guides for below:

• Lord of the Flies
• Photograph 51
• In Cold Blood
• The Meursault Investigation
• To Kill a Mockingbird
• The Book Thief
• Away by Michael Gow
• Blade Runner
• Fahrenheit 451

We’ve also got a bunch of articles specifically on plays by Shakespeare  which you can have a read through below:

• A Midsummer Night’s Dream
• The Merchant of Venice
• Much Ado About Nothing
• King Richard III
• The Tempest

Are you looking for some extra help with your analysis of Romeo and Juliet?

We have an incredible team of tutors and mentors.

We can help you master your analysis of Romeo and Juliet by taking you through the summary, context, key characters and themes. We’ll also help you ace your upcoming English assessments with personalised lessons conducted one-on-one in your home or online!

We’ve supported over  8,000 students over the last 11 years , and on average our students score mark improvements of over 20%!

To find out more and get started with an inspirational tutor and mentor,   get in touch today  or give us a ring on  1300 267 888!

Kate Lynn Law graduated in 2017 with an all rounders HSC award and an ATAR of 97.65. Passionate about mentoring, she enjoys working with high school students to improve their academic, work and life skills in preparation for the HSC and what comes next. An avid blogger, Kate had administered a creative writing page for over 2000 people since 2013, writing to an international audience since her early teenage years. 

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How to write Romeo and Juliet Essay? Outline and Topics

Brendaw Waller

June 4, 2024

Read Time: 5 min

Almost everyone has heard of Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet” at some point. It is a classic tragedy that has been part of literary and cultural education for centuries. This story is about fate and affection. It was written in 1595 or 1596. Moreover, this play is set in the city of Verona. Many essays are written to describe this play in words. Professors still assign Romeo and Juliet essay to students as a writing task.  If your teacher assigned a task to write an essay about Romeo and Juliet, but you don’t know how to compose it, you came to the right place! In this blog, we’ll share effective tips for writing essays on Romeo and Juliet as well as Romeo and Juliet essay topics. If you’re short on time or struggling with the task, you can always consider seeking assistance from professional writers at Nerdpapers who offer services to  buy essay online .

How to write a Romeo and Juliet essay?

Essays about Romeo and Juliet are common in schools and colleges. Most students don’t like the idea of reading books of 100+ pages. But that’s not a good thing. You should read the book so that you get to know the characters, story, and important characters in it.  This essay follows the same structure as other essays. Here’s a step-by-step guide on  how to write an essay  about Romeo and Juliet.  

6 Steps to write a Romeo and Juliet essay

Carefully read the play

Even though you may have already read thousands of concise summaries, it is still worthwhile to read the literary work for yourself. It will help you better understand the plot and notice the minor details that are frequently ignored in overviews in order to keep them concise.

Ask questions

Write down any questions you have when you read the play. Try to find out the answer to these questions. This will assist you in forming your own opinion on the individuals and their deeds and may perhaps inspire a brilliant topic or introduction for your essay.

Make an outline

Make an outline of the topics you will cover in your essay once you have compiled all of your questions and their responses. The outline will help you to structure your thoughts and maintain a logical flow between concepts. 

An essay on Romeo and Juliet, like any assignment on a literary work, is ideal to include a few brief quotes from the tragedy. If correctly cited, the relevant quotations will serve as compelling evidence for your arguments and support your line of reasoning. When quoting, always place the text in quotation marks and include the precise page number from where you took the material. Remember that quotes shouldn’t make up more than 10% of the text as a whole.

Never hesitate to seek help

It’s always acceptable to ask for help! If you need assistance with your essay, you may always contact your teacher for guidance, go to a writing center, check online tutorials, or look for expert writing instruction online. Before implementing any advice, make sure it will be helpful and applicable to your writing process.

Proofread Your Essay

Once you’ve finished writing your essay, read it multiple times, preferably after a day or two, to get a new perspective on the writing’s quality. You can also show your essay to friends or family members so that they can not only point out any mistakes you’ve made but also tell you if it sounds coherent and professional.

📕 Reading Suggestion: “ Essay Writing Tips ”

How to make an outline for an essay of Romeo and Juliet?

A crucial step in any paper writing process is the outline. It helps in keeping our thoughts organized and properly structuring the text from the very start. You must include the following components in your outline:

Romeo and Juliet Essay Outline

Romeo and Juliet essay introduction

The introduction of Romeo and Juliet essay is the attention grabber section in which the writers try to grab the reader’s attention. In order to write it properly, there is need to be:

• As the first sentence of the introduction, this one should pique the reader’s interest in the topic. Quotations, relevant information, or even hypothetical questions might serve as effective hooks for Romeo and Juliet essays.
• Once you have written the hook, give readers some background information about the topic and explain why you chose it. If you use any factual data in this area, be careful to cite it.
• A Romeo and Juliet thesis statement would be the final sentence of your introduction. List the key arguments that you intend to address in the paper’s body in this section.

The body section is the longest and most detailed part of your essay on Romeo and Juliet. In this step, you need to examine each of the previously given arguments and support them with information gathered via research.

Romeo and Juliet Essay Conclusion

How to write a conclusion for a Romeo and Juliet essay? Firstly, restate your thesis statement and summarize the points you have discussed in the body section of the essay. Second, in order to ensure that your essay has a thoughtful conclusion, address the “so what” query. In other words, explain why what you have said so far is important. Lastly, keep in mind that a strong closing line for an essay leaves the reader with a positive impression and encourages them to think about the topic further. Therefore, be sure that your essay’s conclusion refers to and restates the most important points you have already made, connects them to broader contexts, or urges the reader to take a certain course of action.

Creative Topics for Romeo and Juliet Essay

Here are some exciting ideas for Romeo and Juliet essays:

• Literary analysis of Romeo and Juliet
• Romeo and Juliet themes essay
• Romeo and Juliet essay on love
• Romeo and Juliet essay on fate
• Romeo and Juliet essay on conflict
• How is love presented in Romeo and Juliet essay
• Romeo and Juliet movie review essay
• Who is responsible for the death of Romeo and Juliet essay

What kind of essay to choose?

You can think about working on a variety of essays about Romeo and Juliet. If you are allowed to select any topic and, consequently, any essay form, we advise selecting one of the following: Persuasive essay  on Romeo and Juliet:  Such an essay’s primary objective is to persuade the audience that your point of view is the correct one. In addition to creating a concise argument, it’s critical to appeal to people’s emotions and sense of logic. Argumentative essay  on Romeo and Juliet:  Once you’ve chosen a controversial subject, you’ll need to make up your opinion and back it up with facts. Romeo and Juliet Literary analysis essay:  You can discuss specific story points, imagery, and literary strategies in such a paper. Compare and contrast essay  on Romeo and Juliet:  Choose two personalities or circumstances and explain the similarities and differences between them.  Romeo and Juliet critical essay:  To conduct a critical analysis, you must assess the source material. Inform readers of what you think about the play and provide evidence for it from the text and other reliable sources.

Wrapping Up

Writing an essay about ‘Romeo and Juliet’ can be an exciting adventure into Shakespeare’s world, but it’s also an opportunity to practice and refine your  academic writing  skills. Just follow the steps we mentioned above, and you’ll be able to write a great essay on different aspects of this classic love story. If you still have any confusion, you can ask experts for assistance. Our team of skilled essay writers is ready to assist you in your academic journey. They can offer valuable advice, assist in improving your arguments, and make sure your essay reaches its full potential.

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Plays — Romeo and Juliet

Essays on Romeo and Juliet

Romeo and juliet essay topics: a guide for college students.

Explore essay topics on Shakespeare's timeless tragedy, "Romeo and Juliet." Selecting the right essay topic is the first step towards crafting a compelling and insightful analysis. This page aims to spark your creativity and personal interest in diving deep into the play's themes, characters, and societal implications.

Essay Types and Topics

Essays can vary greatly in type and focus. Below, we categorize potential "Romeo and Juliet" essay topics by type, providing a diverse range of subjects suitable for college-level analysis. Each topic suggestion comes with an introductory paragraph example, including a clear thesis statement, and a concluding paragraph that summarizes the essay and reiterates the thesis with a final reflection or call to action.

Argumentative Essays

• Topic: The Role of Fate vs. Free Will in Romeo and Juliet

Introduction Example: "Romeo and Juliet" is often interpreted as a narrative dominated by fate, yet a closer examination reveals a complex interplay between destiny and the choices of its characters. This essay argues that while fate sets the stage, the personal decisions of Romeo, Juliet, and others significantly influence the tragic outcome. Thesis Statement: Despite the heavy hand of fate, the tragic ending of "Romeo and Juliet" is the result of the characters' own choices, highlighting Shakespeare's commentary on free will.

Conclusion Example: In conclusion, "Romeo and Juliet" serves not only as a tale of doomed love but also as a profound exploration of the tension between fate and free will. The characters' decisions, as much as fate, weave the fabric of their tragedy, suggesting that our destinies are not solely at the mercy of the stars but also of our actions.

Compare and Contrast Essays

• Topic: Love and Hate in "Romeo and Juliet": A Comparative Analysis

Introduction Example: "Romeo and Juliet" masterfully juxtaposes the themes of love and hate, revealing how closely intertwined and yet vastly different they are. This essay will compare and contrast these central themes, examining how they coexist and influence the narrative's progression. Thesis Statement: Shakespeare demonstrates through "Romeo and Juliet" that love and hate are two sides of the same coin, each driving the story to its inevitable tragic conclusion.

Conclusion Example: Ultimately, the examination of love and hate in "Romeo and Juliet" reveals the complexity of human emotions and the tragic outcomes when these powerful feelings collide. Shakespeare's play serves as a timeless reminder of the destructive power of hate and the transcendent nature of love.

Descriptive Essays

• Topic: The Symbolism of Light and Darkness in "Romeo and Juliet"

Introduction Example: Throughout "Romeo and Juliet," Shakespeare employs the motifs of light and darkness to symbolize the dual nature of love and the societal constraints surrounding the protagonists. This essay aims to describe the significance of these symbols and their impact on the narrative. Thesis Statement: Light and darkness in "Romeo and Juliet" serve as powerful symbols that highlight the intensity of Romeo and Juliet's love and the darkness of the world that ultimately leads to their demise.

Conclusion Example: The symbolism of light and darkness in "Romeo and Juliet" enriches the narrative, offering deeper insights into the protagonists' love and the challenges they face. Through these motifs, Shakespeare communicates the enduring power and peril of love within a divided society.

Persuasive Essays

• Topic: The Importance of the Friar Lawrence Character in "Romeo and Juliet"

Introduction Example: Friar Lawrence is often viewed as a secondary character in "Romeo and Juliet," yet his role is pivotal to the unfolding of the play's events. This essay will persuade readers of the critical importance of Friar Lawrence, arguing that his decisions and actions are central to the narrative and themes of the play. Thesis Statement: Friar Lawrence is a crucial character in "Romeo and Juliet," whose actions and wisdom deeply influence the course and outcome of the story.

Conclusion Example: In persuading the reader of Friar Lawrence's significance, it becomes clear that his character is not only central to the narrative but also embodies the themes of wisdom, folly, and the unintended consequences of well-meaning actions. His involvement is essential to understanding the play's deeper messages.

Narrative Essays

• Topic: A Modern Retelling of "Romeo and Juliet"

Introduction Example: Imagining "Romeo and Juliet" set in the modern era offers a unique opportunity to explore how the themes of love, conflict, and tragedy translate across time. This narrative essay will recount the classic story through a contemporary lens, examining how the central themes endure in today's society. Thesis Statement: The timeless themes of "Romeo and Juliet" continue to resonate, even when set against the backdrop of the modern world, illustrating the universality of Shakespeare's masterpiece.

Conclusion Example: Through a modern retelling of "Romeo and Juliet," it becomes evident that the themes of love, hate, and fate are not confined to any one era but are enduring aspects of the human condition. Shakespeare's work remains relevant, reflecting the persistent nature of these experiences across generations.

Engagement and Creativity

As you embark on your essay-writing journey, choose a topic that not only aligns with your assignment requirements but also sparks your interest and curiosity. Let your exploration of "Romeo and Juliet" be guided by creativity and a desire to uncover new insights into Shakespeare's work. Engage deeply with the text, and allow your critical thinking to bring fresh perspectives to well-trodden paths.

Educational Value

Writing essays on "Romeo and Juliet" offers valuable opportunities to develop analytical thinking, persuasive writing skills, and a deeper appreciation for literature. Each essay type encourages a different approach to the text, whether it be through argumentative analysis, comparative exploration, descriptive detail, persuasive advocacy, or narrative creativity. Embrace these challenges as chances to enhance your academic skills and personal growth.

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Who Killed Mercutio in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet?

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Romeo and Juliet: Choice Or Fate

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Maturity and Immaturity in The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet

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1597, William Shakespeare

Play; Shakespearean Tragedy

Romeo, Juliet, Count Paris, Mercutio, Tybalt, The Nurse, Rosaline, Benvolio, Friar Laurence

Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is based on a narrative poem by Arthur Brooke called "The Tragical History of Romeus and Juliet," which was published in 1562. However, Shakespeare's play transformed the original story into a timeless masterpiece of love and tragedy. The historical context of the play is rooted in the Italian Renaissance, a period characterized by a renewed interest in classical literature, arts, and humanism. This cultural milieu influenced Shakespeare's portrayal of the conflict between love and societal norms, as well as the exploration of passion, honor, and fate.

In the city of Verona, two prominent families, the Montagues and the Capulets, are engaged in a bitter feud. Amidst this hostility, Romeo, a Montague, attends a masquerade ball hosted by the Capulets and instantly falls in love with Juliet, a Capulet. They share a passionate encounter and realize they are from rival families. Determined to be together, Romeo and Juliet secretly marry with the help of Friar Laurence. However, their blissful union is short-lived when a series of unfortunate events unfolds. Tybalt, Juliet's hot-tempered cousin, challenges Romeo to a duel, resulting in Tybalt's death. As punishment, Romeo is banished from Verona. Desperate to avoid her arranged marriage to Count Paris, Juliet seeks assistance from Friar Laurence, who devises a plan to reunite the lovers. But the plan goes awry, and miscommunication leads Romeo to believe that Juliet is dead. Overwhelmed by grief, Romeo drinks a poison and dies next to Juliet's lifeless body. Upon awakening and discovering Romeo's fate, Juliet takes her own life with a dagger. The tragic deaths of Romeo and Juliet finally bring their feuding families together in sorrow, realizing the consequences of their longstanding enmity.

Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is set in the Italian city of Verona during the 14th century. Verona serves as the backdrop for the tragic love story of the young protagonists, Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet. The city of Verona is depicted as a place of deep-seated rivalry and violence between the two influential families, the Montagues and the Capulets. The streets of Verona are filled with tension and hostility, as the feuding families constantly clash and disrupt the peace. Within Verona, significant locations play a vital role in the story. The streets and public squares serve as meeting places for the characters, where conflicts and confrontations often occur. The Capulet household, including the iconic balcony where Romeo and Juliet exchange their famous declarations of love, symbolizes the forbidden nature of their relationship. Additionally, the tomb of the Capulets becomes the tragic final setting where Romeo and Juliet meet their fateful ends.

Love: Romeo and Juliet's love is portrayed as passionate and all-consuming, transcending the boundaries of their warring families. The theme of love is further explored through the contrast between romantic love and familial love, as the couple grapples with loyalty to their families and their own desires. Fate: The play suggests that the lovers' tragic end is predetermined by forces beyond their control, emphasizing the role of destiny in their lives. This theme is captured in the famous line, "star-crossed lovers," which highlights the notion that their love is doomed from the start. Feuds and conflict: The bitter rivalry between the Montagues and the Capulets fuels the tension and violence that ultimately leads to the tragic events. Shakespeare explores the destructive consequences of long-standing enmity and the price that is paid when hatred triumphs over peace.

One prevalent literary device in the play is metaphor. Shakespeare employs metaphor to convey complex ideas and emotions. For example, in Romeo's famous line, "But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun," he compares Juliet to the sun, emphasizing her radiant beauty and his adoration for her. Another device used extensively in Romeo and Juliet is dramatic irony. This occurs when the audience knows more about the events or the true intentions of the characters than they do themselves. A notable example is when Juliet takes a sleeping potion to feign her death, while Romeo, unaware of her plan, believes she is truly dead. This creates tension and heightens the emotional impact of the subsequent tragic events. Additionally, Shakespeare employs soliloquies and asides to reveal the characters' inner thoughts and feelings directly to the audience. These monologues provide insight into their motivations, dilemmas, and conflicts, fostering a deeper understanding of their complexities. Other literary devices employed in Romeo and Juliet include imagery, allusion, foreshadowing, and wordplay.

"But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun." - Romeo (Act II, Scene II) "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." - Juliet (Act II, Scene II) "O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?" - Juliet (Act II, Scene II) "Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow." - Juliet (Act II, Scene II) "These violent delights have violent ends." - Friar Laurence (Act II, Scene VI)

In film, there have been numerous cinematic adaptations of Romeo and Juliet, each offering its unique take on the timeless story. Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 film and Baz Luhrmann's 1996 modernized version are among the most well-known adaptations, capturing the tragic romance and passion of the original play. Television has also embraced Romeo and Juliet, with adaptations ranging from traditional period dramas to contemporary reinterpretations. These adaptations often explore different settings and time periods while staying true to the core themes of love, feuds, and destiny. The play has influenced music as well, with artists drawing inspiration from the story and its characters. Popular songs, such as "Love Story" by Taylor Swift and "Check Yes Juliet" by We the Kings, reference Romeo and Juliet, showcasing the enduring impact of the play on popular culture. Additionally, Romeo and Juliet has been referenced in literature, visual arts, and even advertising campaigns, highlighting its cultural significance and widespread recognition.

Cultural Significance: The play has become a symbol of romantic tragedy and forbidden love. It has inspired countless adaptations, films, and musicals, further cementing its status as an iconic love story. Language and Expressions: Shakespeare's unique language and poetic expressions in "Romeo and Juliet" have greatly influenced the English language. Phrases like "What's in a name?" and "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet" have become widely quoted and integrated into everyday speech. Archetypal Characters: The characters of Romeo and Juliet have become archetypes of passionate, young lovers. Their plight and the themes of love, fate, and family conflict resonate with audiences across cultures and generations. Impact on Drama and Theater: The play's tragic structure, complex characters, and dramatic tension have had a lasting impact on the field of drama. It has served as a model for storytelling and character development, inspiring playwrights and directors for centuries.

Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" is a timeless masterpiece that remains relevant and captivating across centuries. Exploring the reasons why it is worth writing an essay about involves delving into its enduring significance. Firstly, the play explores universal themes such as love, fate, and family conflict, which resonate with audiences of all ages and cultures. Its exploration of the intensity and consequences of young love provides valuable insights into human emotions and relationships. Secondly, the play showcases Shakespeare's unparalleled mastery of language and poetic expression. Studying the rich and evocative dialogue, intricate wordplay, and use of literary devices in "Romeo and Juliet" allows for a deeper appreciation of Shakespeare's artistic genius and contributes to the understanding of his broader body of work. Furthermore, the play's exploration of societal expectations, gender roles, and the power of passion challenges conventional norms and raises thought-provoking questions about the constraints of society. Lastly, the enduring popularity and numerous adaptations of "Romeo and Juliet" in various art forms demonstrate its cultural significance and ability to inspire creative interpretations.

1. Shakespeare, W. (2019). Romeo and juliet. In One-Hour Shakespeare (pp. 304-368). Routledge. (https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9780429262715-13/romeo-juliet-william-shakespeare) 2. Driscoll, R., Davis, K. E., & Lipetz, M. E. (1972). Parental interference and romantic love: The Romeo and Juliet effect. Journal of personality and social psychology, 24(1), 1. (https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1973-04399-001) 3. Whittier, G. (1989). The Sonnet's Body and the Body Sonnetized in" Romeo and Juliet". Shakespeare Quarterly, 40(1), 27-41. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/2870752) 4. Kottman, P. A. (2012). Defying the stars: tragic love as the struggle for freedom in Romeo and Juliet. Shakespeare Quarterly, 63(1), 1-38. (https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/1/article/470678/summary) 5. Sánchez, A. B. (1995). Metaphorical models of romantic love in Romeo and Juliet. Journal of Pragmatics, 24(6), 667-688. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/037821669500007F) 6. Clark, G. (2011). The civil mutinies of Romeo and Juliet. English Literary Renaissance, 41(2), 280-300. (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1475-6757.2011.01086.x) 7. Snyder, S. (1970). Romeo and juliet: Comedy into tragedy. Essays in Criticism, 20(4), 391-402. (https://academic.oup.com/eic/article-abstract/XX/4/391/599716?redirectedFrom=PDF) 8. Brown, S., Cockett, P., & Yuan, Y. (2019). The neuroscience of Romeo and Juliet: An fMRI study of acting. Royal Society Open Science, 6(3), 181908. (https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/full/10.1098/rsos.181908)

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Romeo and Juliet

By william shakespeare, romeo and juliet essay questions.

In what way do Romeo and Juliet break gender conventions? How do these roles fluctuate throughout the play?

At the beginning of the play, the young lovers' behavior reverses common gender conventions – Romeo acts in a way that his friends call feminine, while Juliet exhibits masculine qualities. Romeo is by no means an archetypal Elizabethan man; he is disinterested in asserting his physical power like the other male characters in the play. Instead, Romeo chooses to stew in his pensive melancholy. On several instances, Romeo's companions suggest that his introspective behavior is effeminate. On the other hand, Juliet exhibits a more pronounced sense of agency than most female characters in Shakespeare's time. While the women around her, like her mother, blindly act in accordance with Lord Capulet's wishes, Juliet proudly expresses her opinion. Even when she has lost a battle (like when Lord Capulet insists she consider marrying Paris), she demonstrates a shrewd ability to deflect attention without committing to anything. In her relationship with Romeo, Juliet clearly takes the lead by insisting on marriage and proposing the plan to unite them. As the play progresses, Romeo starts to break out of his pensive inaction to the point that Mercutio notices this change. Romeo also makes a great shift from his cowardly attempt at suicide in Act III to his willful decision in Act V. Overall, Romeo and Juliet are arguably a good match because they are so distinct. Juliet is headstrong, while Romeo is passive until passion strikes and inspires him to action.

Contrast Romeo's attempted suicide in Act 3 with his actual suicide in Act 5. How do these two events reveal changes in his character and an evolving view of death?

Romeo considers suicide in both Act 3 and Act 5. In Act 3, Romeo's desire to take his own life is a cowardly response to his grief over killing Tybalt. He is afraid of the consequences of his actions and would rather escape the world entirely than face losing Juliet. Both Friar Laurence and the Nurse criticize Romeo for his weakness and lack of responsibility - taking the knife from his hands. In contrast, Romeo actually does commit suicide in Act V because he sees no other option. He plans for it, seeking out the Apothecary before leaving Mantua, and kills himself out of solidarity with Juliet, not because he is afraid. While suicide is hardly a defensible action, Romeo's dual attempts to take his life reveal his growing maturity and his strengthened moral resolve.

Several characters criticize Romeo for falling in love too quickly. Do you believe this is true? Does his tendency towards infatuation give the audience occasion to question Romeo's affection for Juliet?

This question obviously asks for a student opinion, but there is evidence to support both sides of the argument. In Act 2, Friar Laurence states his opinion that Romeo does indeed fall in love too quickly. Romeo is arguably in love with being in love more than he is in love with any particular woman. The speed with which his affections shift from Rosaline to Juliet – all before he ever exchanges a word with the latter – suggests that Romeo's feelings of 'love' are closer to lust than commitment. This interpretation is supported by the numerous sexual references in the play, which are even interwoven with religious imagery in Romeo and Juliet's first conversation. However, it also possible to argue that Romeo's lust does not invalidate the purity of his love. Romeo and Juliet celebrates young, passionate love, which includes physical lust. Furthermore, whereas Romeo was content to pine for Rosaline from afar, his love for Juliet forces him to spring into action. He is melancholy over Rosaline, but he is willing to die for Juliet. Therefore, a possible reading is that Romeo and Juliet's relationship might have been sparked by physical attraction, but it grew into a deep, spiritual connection.

Examine the contrast between order and disorder in Romeo and Juliet . How does Shakespeare express this dichotomy through symbols, and how do those motifs help to underline the other major themes in the play?

The contrast between order and disorder appears from the Prologue, where the Chorus tells a tragic story using the ordered sonnet form. From that point onwards, the separation between order and disorder is a common theme. Ironically, violence and disorder occurs in bright daylight, while the serenity of love emerges at night. The relationship between Romeo and Juliet is uncomplicated without the disorderly feud between their families, which has taken over the streets of Verona. The contrast between order and disorder underscores the way that Shakespeare presents love - a safe cocoon in which the lovers can separate themselves from the unpredictable world around them. At the end of the play, it becomes clear that a relationship based on pure love cannot co-exist with human weaknesses like greed and jealousy.

Many critics note a tonal inconsistency in Romeo and Juliet . Do you find the shift in tone that occurs after Mercutio's death to be problematic? Does this shift correspond to an established structural tradition or is it simply one of Shakespeare's whims?

After the Prologue until the point where Mercutio dies in Act III, Romeo and Juliet is mostly a comic romance. After Mercutio dies, the nature of the play suddenly shifts into tragedy. It is possible that this extreme shift is merely the product of Shakespeare's whims, especially because the play has many other asides that are uncharacteristic of either comedy or tragedy. For example, Mercutio's Queen Mab speech is dreamy and poetic, while the Nurse's colorful personality gives her more dimension than functional characters generally require. However, it is also possible to see the parallels between this tonal shift and the play's thematic contrast between order and disorder. Shakespeare frequently explored the human potential for both comedy and tragedy in his plays, and it is possible that in Romeo and Juliet , he wanted to explore the transition from youthful whimsy into the complications of adulthood. From this perspective, the play's unusual structure could represent a journey to maturity. Romeo grows from a petulant teenager who believes he can ignore the world around him to a man who accepts the fact that his actions have consequences.

Eminent literary critic Harold Bloom considers Mercutio to be one of Shakespeare's greatest inventions in Romeo and Juliet . Why do you agree or disagree with him? What sets Mercutio apart?

One of Shakespeare's great dramatic talents is his ability to portray functional characters as multi-faceted individuals. Mercutio, for example, could have served a simple dramatic function, helping the audience get to know Romeo in the early acts. Then, his death in Act 3 is a crucial plot point in the play, heightening the stakes and forcing Romeo to make a life-changing decision. Mercutio barely appears in Arthur Brooke's Romeus and Juliet , which Romeo and Juliet is based on. Therefore, Shakespeare made a point of fleshing out the character. In Mercutio's Queen Mab speech, Shakespeare has the opportunity to truly delve into the bizarre and often dangerous sexual nature of love. Further, Mercutio's insight as he dies truly expresses the horrors of revenge, as he declares a plague on both the Montague and Capulet families. He is the first casualty of their feud - and because he transcends functionality, the audience mourns his untimely death and can relate to Romeo's capricious revenge.

How does Shakespeare use symbols of gold and silver throughout the play? What does each element represent?

Shakespeare uses gold and silver as symbols to criticize human folly. He often invokes the image of silver to symbolize pure love and innocent beauty. On the other hand, he uses gold as a sign of greed or desire. For example, Shakespeare describes Rosaline as immune to showers of gold, an image that symbolizes the selfishness of bribery. Later, when Romeo is banished, he comments that banishment is a "golden axe," meaning that banishment is merely a shiny euphemism for death. Finally, the erection of the golden statues at the end of the play is a sign of the fact that neither Lord Capulet nor Lord Montague has really learned anything from the loss of their children. They are still competing to claim the higher level of grief. Romeo, however, recognizes the power of gold and rejects it - through him, Shakespeare suggests a distinction between a world governed by wealth and the cocoon of true love.

Do a character analysis of Friar Laurence. What motivates him? In what ways does this motivation complicate his character?

Friar Laurence is yet another character who transcends his functional purpose. When Romeo first approaches the Friar to plan his marriage to Juliet, the older man questions the young man's sincerity, since Romeo openly pined for Rosaline only a few days before. However, the Friar shows a willingness to compromise by agreeing to marry the young lovers nevertheless. What ultimately motivates Friar Laurence is his desire to end the feud between the Capulets and the Montagues, and he sees Romeo and Juliet's marriage as a means to that end. While his peaceful intentions are admirable, his devious actions to achieve them – conducting a marriage that he explicitly questions – suggests he is more driven by politics than by an internal moral compass. The fact that a religious figure would compromise one of the Church's sacraments (marriage) further suggests that the Friar wants his power to extend beyond the confines of his Chapel. He also displays his hubris by helping Juliet to fake her death, rather than simply helping her get to Mantua to be with Romeo. While Friar Laurence is not an explicit villain, his internal contradictions speak to Shakespeare's ability to create multi-faceted characters.

Should Romeo and Juliet be considered a classical tragedy (in which fate destroys individuals)? Or is it more a tragedy of circumstance and personality? Moreover, could the tragic ending of Romeo and Juliet have been avoided?

In classical tragedy, an individual is defeated by Fate, despite his or her best efforts to change a pre-determined course of events. A classical tragedy both celebrates an individual's willpower while lamenting the fact that the universe cannot be bested by mankind. The tragic elements in Romeo and Juliet are undeniable - two young lovers want nothing more than to be together and fall victim to an ancient feud and rigid societal conventions. However, while Romeo and Juliet's deaths result from human folly, the immovable power of fate also has a hand in sealing their destinies. For instance, Romeo and Juliet had many opportunities to simply run away together instead of being separated after Romeo is banished from Verona. Furthermore, many of the tragic occurrences are contingent on antagonistic characters running into one another, and then choosing to pursue vengeance rather than simply walk away. Based on this evidence, it is possible to read Shakespeare's intent as suggesting that behavioral adjustment can often prevent tragic events.

How is Romeo and Juliet a criticism of organized religion? Examine the play's secularism to develop your answer.

While Romeo and Juliet does not present explicit attacks against religion, Shakespeare reveals his skepticism of Christianity in subtle ways. In many ways, Romeo and Juliet must reject the tenets of Christianity in order to be together. In their first meeting, they banter, using religious imagery to share their sexual feelings. In this exchange, the lovers acknowledge the omnipresence of Christianity, but cheekily use religious images in an unexpected context. Further, Christian tradition would have required Juliet to submit to her father's desire, but instead, she manipulates his expectations to distract him from her real agenda. Even Friar Laurence, an explicitly religious figure, uses Christianity as a tool towards his own ends. In this way, the play implicitly suggests that the rigid rules of religion often work in opposition to the desires of the heart - and to pursue true happiness, one must throw off the shackles of organized faith.

Romeo and Juliet Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Romeo and Juliet is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Can you find verbal irony in the play? Where?

One example of verbal irony would be Romeo's reference to the poison he has purchased as a "sweet medicine". A cordial is a sweet liquor or medicine.

Come, cordial and not poison, go with me To Juliet's grave; for there must I use thee.

What do we learn about Mercutio in queen man speech?

The whole speech is based on pagan Celtic mythology. Mercutio’s speech is laced with sexual innuendo. The words “queen” and “mab” refer to whores in Elizabethan England. As his speech goes on we notice the subtext get increasingly sexual...

What does Romeo fear as he approaches Capulet house? What literary device would this be an example of?

Romeo feels something bad is going to happen.

I fear too early, for my mind misgives Some consequence yet hanging in the stars

Looks like foreshadowing to me!

Study Guide for Romeo and Juliet

Romeo and Juliet study guide contains a biography of William Shakespeare, literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About Romeo and Juliet
• Romeo and Juliet Summary
• Romeo and Juliet Video
• Character List

Essays for Romeo and Juliet

Romeo and Juliet essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare.

• Unity in Shakespeare's Tragedies
• Fate in Romeo and Juliet
• Romeo and Juliet: Under the Guise of Love
• The Apothecary's Greater Significance in Romeo and Juliet
• Romeo and Juliet: Two Worlds

Lesson Plan for Romeo and Juliet

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to Romeo and Juliet
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• Romeo and Juliet Bibliography

E-Text of Romeo and Juliet

Romeo and Juliet e-text contains the full text of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare.

• List of Characters

Wikipedia Entries for Romeo and Juliet

• Introduction

ROMEO AND JULIET

An Essay Writing Guide for GCSE (9-1)

So you now know the play – but how do you structure your essay?

This clean & simple new guide from Accolade Press will walk you through how to plan and structure essay responses to questions on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet . By working through seven mock questions, these detailed essay plans will show you how to go about building a theme based answer – while the accompanying notes will illustrate not only how to masterfully structure your response , but also how to ensure all AQA's Assessment Objectives are being satisfied.

R.P. Davis has a First Class degree in English Literature from UCL, and a Masters in Literature from Cambridge University. Aside from teaching GCSE English (which he's done for nearly a decade now), he has also written a string of bestselling thriller novels

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SAMPLE FROM THE GUIDE

In your GCSE English Literature exam, you will be presented with an extract from Shakespeare’s  Romeo and Juliet  and a question that asks you to offer both a close analysis of the extract plus a commentary of the play as a whole. Of course, there are many methods one  might  use to tackle this style of question. However, there is one particular technique which, due to its sophistication, most readily allows students to unlock the highest marks: namely,  the thematic method . 

To be clear, this study guide is  not  intended to walk you through the play scene-by-scene: there are many great guides out there that do just that. No, this guide, by sifting through a series of mock exam questions, will demonstrate  how  to organise a response thematically and thus write a stellar essay: a skill we believe no other study guide adequately covers!

I have encountered students who have structured their essays all sorts of ways: some by writing about the extract line by line, others by identifying various language techniques and giving each its own paragraph. The method I’m advocating, on the other hand, involves picking out three to four themes that will allow you to holistically answer the question: these three to four themes will become the three to four content paragraphs of your essay, cushioned between a brief introduction and conclusion. Ideally, these themes will follow from one to the next to create a flowing argument. Within each of these thematic paragraphs, you can then ensure you are jumping through the mark scheme’s hoops. 

The Shakespearian equivalent of a selfie.

So to break things down further, each thematic paragraph will include various point-scoring components. In each paragraph, you will quote from the extract, offer analyses of these quotes, then discuss how the specific language techniques you have identified illustrate the theme you’re discussing. In each paragraph, you will also discuss how other parts of the play further illustrate the theme (or even complicate it). And in each, you will comment on the era in which the play was written and how that helps to understand the chosen theme.

Don’t worry if this all feels daunting. Throughout this guide, I will be illustrating in great detail – by means of examples – how to build an essay of this kind.

The beauty of the thematic approach is that, once you have your themes, you suddenly have a direction and a trajectory, and this makes essay writing a whole lot easier. However, it must also be noted that extracting themes in the first place is something students often find tricky. I have come across many candidates who understand the extract and the play inside out; but when they are presented with a question under exam conditions, and the pressure kicks in, they find it tough to break their response down into themes. The fact of the matter is: the process is a  creative  one and the best themes require a bit of imagination. 

In this guide, I shall take seven different exam-style questions, coupled with extracts from the play, and put together a plan for each – a plan that illustrates in detail how we will be satisfying the mark scheme’s criteria. Please do keep in mind that, when operating under timed conditions, your plans will necessarily be less detailed than those that appear in this volume. 

The Globe Theatre in London. It was built on the site of the original, which was burnt down in 1613.

Now, you might be asking whether three or four themes is best. The truth is, you should do whatever you feel most comfortable with: the examiner is looking for an original, creative answer, and not sitting there counting the themes. So if you think you are quick enough to cover four, then great. However, if you would rather do three to make sure you do each theme justice, that’s also fine. I sometimes suggest that my student pick four themes, but make the fourth one smaller – sort of like an afterthought, or an observation that turns things on their head. That way, if they feel they won’t have time to explore this fourth theme in its own right, they can always give it a quick mention in the conclusion instead. 

Before I move forward in earnest, I believe it to be worthwhile to run through the four Assessment Objectives the exam board want you to cover in your response – if only to demonstrate how effective the thematic response can be. I would argue that the first Assessment Objective (AO1) – the one that wants candidates to ‘read, understand and respond to texts’ and which is worth 12 of the total 34 marks up for grabs – will be wholly satisfied by selecting strong themes, then fleshing them out with quotes. Indeed, when it comes to identifying the top-scoring candidates for AO1, the mark scheme explicitly tells examiners to look for a ‘critical, exploratory, conceptualised response’ that makes ‘judicious use of precise references’ – the word ‘concept’ is a synonym of theme, and ‘judicious references’ simply refers to quotes that appropriately support the theme you’ve chosen.

The second Assessment Objective (AO2) – which is also responsible for 12 marks – asks students to ‘analyse the language, form and structure used by a writer to create meanings and effects, using relevant subject terminology where appropriate.’ As noted, you will already be quoting from the play as you back up your themes, and it is a natural progression to then analyse the language techniques used. In fact, this is far more effective than simply observing language techniques (personification here, alliteration there), because by discussing how the language techniques relates to and shapes the theme, you will also be demonstrating how the writer ‘create[s] meanings and effects.’ 

Now, in my experience, language analysis is the most important element of AO2 – perhaps 8 of the 12 marks will go towards language analysis. You will also notice, however, that AO2 asks students to comment on ‘form and structure.’ Again, the thematic approach has your back – because though simply jamming in a point on form or structure will feel jarring, when you bring these points up while discussing a theme, as a means to further a thematic argument, you will again organically be discussing the way it ‘create[s] meanings and effects.’ 

The Globe Theatre’s interior.

AO3 requires you to ‘show understanding of the relationships between texts and the contexts in which they were written’ and is responsible for a more modest 6 marks in total. These are easy enough to weave into a thematic argument; indeed, the theme gives the student a chance to bring up context in a relevant and fitting way. After all, you don’t want it to look like you’ve just shoehorned a contextual factoid into the mix.

My hope is that this book, by demonstrating how to tease out themes from an extract, will help you feel more confident in doing so yourself. I believe it is also worth mentioning that the themes I have picked out are by no means definitive. Asked the very same question, someone else may pick out different themes, and write an answer that is just as good (if not better!). Obviously the exam is not likely to be fun – my memory of them is pretty much the exact opposite. But still, this is one of the very few chances that you will get at GCSE level to actually be creative. And to my mind at least, that was always more enjoyable – if  enjoyable  is the right word – than simply demonstrating that I had memorised loads of facts.

Essay Plan One

Read the following extract from act 1 scene 2 of romeo and juliet and then answer the question that follows..

At this point in the play, Paris is asking Capulet for Juliet’s hand in marriage.

PARIS But now, my lord, what say you to my suit? CAPULET But saying o’er what I have said before: My child is yet a stranger in the world; 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. PARIS Younger than she are happy mothers made. CAPULET And too soon marr’d are those so early made. The earth hath swallow’d all my hopes but she, She is the hopeful lady of my earth: But woo her, gentle Paris, get her heart, My will to her consent is but a part; An she agree, within her scope of choice Lies my consent and fair according voice.

Starting with this extract, explore the degree to which you think Shakespeare portrays Lord Capulet as a bad father. Write about: • how Shakespeare portrays Capulet in this extract. • how Shakespeare portrays Capulet in the play as a whole.

Introduction

The introduction should be short and sweet, yet still pack a punch. I personally like to score an early context point (AO3) in the opening sentence. Then, in the second sentence, I like to hint at the themes I’m going to cover, so that the examiner feels as though they have their bearings and is thus ready to hand out AO1 marks.

In this instance, I score early AO3 marks by invoking another Shakespeare text that places  Romeo and Juliet  in context. After this, I keep things short and sweet, hinting at the ambivalent approach I am about to take.1

“Father-daughter relationships abound in Shakespeare: the other mid-1590s sister play to  Romeo and Juliet  –  A Midsummer’s Night Dream  – starts with a father, Egeus, threatening his daughter, Hermia, with unwanted wedlock. However, while Capulet puts on a similar performance, he also embodies a host of admirable qualities that complicate an audience's perception.”

Theme/Paragraph One: Capulet exhibits genuine concern for his daughter’s wellbeing: in this extract, he is particularly concerned about his daughter marrying too young. However, this is undercut later in the play by his heavy-handed attempt at discipline.

As suitors go, Paris is hardly presented as a menacing presence: he politely asks Capulet for Juliet’s hand: ‘what say you of my suit?’ Nevertheless, Capulet quickly makes known his worries about Juliet’s extreme youth (‘not seen the change of fourteen years’), and exhibits concern that an early marriage could be detrimental: ‘Too soon marr’d are those early made.’ The alliteration of ‘marr’d’ and ‘made’ adds emphasis to Capulet’s point by powerfully linking these words: those who get made in marriage too soon end up marred.2 Capulet seems genuinely concerned for his daughter’s wellbeing and the implication of her tender age. [ AO1 for advancing the argument with a judiciously selected quote; AO2 for the close analysis of the language ].

However, although Capulet is presented as a caring father towards Juliet here, elsewhere he is presented as the polar opposite. In Act 3 Scene 5, Capulet, in the wake of Juliet’s refusal to marry Paris, threatens his daughter with violence (‘my fingers itch’) and brutally objectifies her: ‘You be mine, I’ll give you to my friend.’

Theme/Paragraph Two: Capulet in this extract is portrayed as emotionally frail, and arguably this frailty leads to an anxiety-driven, rash decision.

Capulet in this extract is oddly mercurial and rash in his decision making: at first, he is against Paris courting his daughter; yet, in the space of a few lines, he changes his mind: ‘woo her gentle Paris.’3

Although it might be argued that this vacillation should be attributed to Capulet’s deep concern for his daughter – an instinct to marry her to someone who can provide for her – on closer inspection, this is only half the story. Capulet lets slip that he has lost other offspring: he claims that ‘The earth hath swallow’d all my hopes but she’ – the image of a personified earth eating his hopes communicating the fact other offspring have been buried, while the elision in ‘swallow’d’ has the missing ‘e’ mirror this loss.4 As a result of this emotional wound, Capulet goes against his own better judgement to ‘let two more summers wither’ and makes a rash volte-face .5 His concern for his daughter, therefore, is not only counterbalanced by a fierce temper, but also compromised by an emotional wound that muddles Capulet’s decision making. [ AO1 for advancing the argument with a judiciously selected quote; AO2 for the close analysis of the language ].

However, later in the play, one sees that Capulet’s frailty lends him greater emotional intelligence as a father: after Juliet feigns her death in Act 4, Capulet mourns her death with moving poetry: ‘Death lies on her like an untimely frost / Upon the sweetest flower.’ That this elegy comes right at the close of Act 4 lends it extra structural emphasis, since the natural pause between acts forces the audience to linger on the words.6 [AO2 for observing how structure shapes meaning].

Theme/Paragraph Three. Capulet is a good father insofar as he sets a positive example in the way he interacts with the wider world.

In this passage, Capulet comes across as a positive role model in the community. He deals with Paris in a calm, respectful manner – even though Paris is pursuing his young daughter. Even if one disagrees with his final response, he does show patience with Paris. Indeed, Capulet does not monologue at Paris; rather, there is a respectful back and forth, and Capulet gives Paris space to speak. This is exemplified by Paris’s line – ‘younger than she are happy mothers made’ – midway through the extract: Shakespeare, by interpolating this line amid Capulet’s words, uses form to relay a sense of respectful dialogue. [AO2 for observing how form shapes meaning].

Elsewhere in the play : At Capulet’s party, Capulet attempts to keep the peace when Tybalt is trying to escalate tensions with the Montague gatecrashers. However, whereas Capulet cast himself as a respectable role model in this scene, at other points in the play he falls well short: the audience’s very first introduction to Capulet, prior to this extract, sees him seeming to lust for violence: ‘Give me my long sword, ho!’ – Shakespeare’s structural decision to place this line in the play’s opening scene lending it extra emphasis. [AO2 for observing how structure shapes meaning].

I have a smaller theme tucked up my sleeve; however, given the length of the previous themes, it feels wisest to integrate it into the conclusion. I wish to point out that Capulet exhibits a flexibility that boosts our estimation of his fathering abilities...

“Capulet – like the play in which he appears – embodies powerful contrasts: he is a positive role model to Juliet, yet a provocateur; an empathetic father, but callous.7 This extract exemplifies Shakespeare’s flair for ambiguity. Although one might argue (as above) that Capulet's volte-face ought to be considered a flaw, it could equally be considered a virtue: he has an admirable capacity for flexibility, which allows him to hew to Juliet’s choices in a way that empowers her: ‘Within her scope of choice / Lies my consent and fair according voice.’ The audience is left feeling as if Capulet is ‘a stranger in this world’ – an individual beyond our ability to definitively decipher . ”

1 To be ambivalent is to have mixed feelings about something or someone.

2 If something has been marred, it has been damaged or disfigured.

3 If someone is mercurial, it means their mood or state of mind is frequently subject to change.

4 Elision is when you remove a syllable or a sound from a word, and is usually signified by an apostrophe replacing the missing syllable. We use elision all the time in present-day English – for example, ‘let’s’ and ‘I’m’.

5 A  volte-face  is when someone takes the polar opposite view to the one they previously held.

6 An elegy is a lyric or poem that involves deep contemplation, and is most frequently seen during the commemoration of a death.

7 A provocateur is someone who intentionally acts in such a way as to provoke strong emotions in others.

Proceeding chapters….

Essay Plan Two : explain how Shakespeare presents Romeo’s feelings towards Juliet.

Essay Plan Three : explain how far you think Shakespeare presents the Friar as a positive influence.

Essay Plan Four : explain how far you think Shakespeare presents Mercutio as a heroic character.

Essay Plan Five : explain how Shakespeare presents the idea of justice in  Romeo and Juliet .

Essay Plan Six : discuss to what extent the Nurse is portrayed as a maternal figure in the play.

Essay Plan Seven : explain how Shakespeare portrays grief in  Romeo and Juliet .

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

I love this book as in how specific it is in terms of delivering how students should study the extracts of Romeo and Juliet. I am a tutor and I believe this is a possible guidance to how to study literature and the answering techniques to literature exams. Not only is the mindset applicable to questions related to Romeo and Juliet, but also to literature in GCSE in general. This is a book that students would want to read because the language is not hard either, and it patiently guides you through - highly recommended to GCSE students (and tutors perhaps!)

This is a really useful revision guide in a great format. Focussing on the structure of planning and writing essays in the way that examiners are looking for is so useful for GCSE students. This book shows that it's not just about memorising content, but understanding key themes, events and quotations to gain higher marks. I would love to see a guide like this for more texts!

I found this text really useful from a parent's point of view, as it helped me understand what the exam questions are looking for, and will enable me to help my child better. It gives us a starting point for discussion for any exam question, not just those specific ones covered. Really clear structure. Would be great to see this format for other Shakespeare plays.

This is an extremely helpful guide to help students formulate and structure GCSE essay questions. Using a varied range of sample questions on the text it unpicks potential answers paragraph by paragraph and really helps students learn how to incorporate themes and gain those extra marks from the very start of the question. My daughter will find it invaluable in her GCSE revision.

Excellent guide for students going for the highest grades.

This is not a basic guide to R&J but rather an explanation as to how to structure essays thematically so as to achieve the highest grades (the marking structure is explained). The book therefore sets out seven detailed essays plans relating to key passages in the text. On a basic level this would help any student think intelligently about characters and themes eg Shakespeare’s portrayal of the friar, the idea of justice etc, but in a higher level it suggests a structure help the most able students order their thoughts and think about themes and how to present them.

As someone who studied this text for GCSE in 1994, I wish this was around then. My daughter struggled with my old revision guide but says this is laid out in such a way that it is clear to follow. It unpicks what the questions actually want as answers by liking at the questions in detail but simply enough to understand.

It was very easy to read and understand and stimulated further thoughts that my daughter agreed she hadn’t necessarily considered. She found it very comprehensive and has since used it when writing further essays. She has used some the the techniques suggested by the study guide to back up advice given by her teacher, which has definitely helped her gain higher marks, and made it a lot less stressful for her and us! As a parent it has helped me understand what information is expected from an exam perspective. Great guide would highly recommend.

My daughter got the guide to help aide with her studies.

She has found this particularly useful and would recommend this to all students taking their GCSEs.

It has helped retiterate points she has learned and helped with formation of essays, helping her put extra content in the writing.

A review from my son: This book is perfect for GCSE English students. It is easy to read it is pitched at just the right level for students hoping to get a high grade. It explains and demonstrates perfectly how to organise and write a Romeo and Juliet essay. It takes you through a good choice of possible exam questions and it emphasises how important the themes are. It shows you how to analyse themes and quotes from all parts of the play as well as showing you how to structure a response to the different questions and how give a much more in depth answer so you can get extra marks and a higher grade. I am now much more confident going into the exam!

As a parent, this is a really useful guide. It now gives me a much better idea of how I should be encouraging my son to prepare for his exams and make the best use of his revision time.

The essays in the book cover the main topics and typical questions that students may encounter in their exams. It clearly explains the marking criteria, so that students can fully understand how to bring in the different aspects into their own writing. The thematic approach gives them new ideas of how to approach the question and is helping them with their essay planning overall.

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Romeo and Juliet

by William Shakespeare

Sample Essay Outlines

The following paper topics are based on the entire play. Following each topic is a thesis and sample outline. Use these as a starting point for your paper.

Topic #1 Impetuosity is a tragic flaw that affects character and action. This flaw within a character will ultimately cause the death of the protagonist. Write an essay in which hasty decisions or actions result in the final tragedy of the play.

Outline I. Thesis Statement: Impetuosity is a tragic flaw present in the characters of Romeo, Juliet, Lord Capulet, and Friar Laurence . II. Impetuosity of Romeo A. Love 1. Instant love for Juliet 2. Decision to marry 3. Preference to death rather than be parted from Juliet B. Relationship with others 1. Reaction after he is banished 2. Kills Tybalt 3. Kills Paris 4. Purchase of poison from the apothecary

III. Impetuosity of Juliet A. Love 1. Instant love for Romeo 2. Decision to marry 3. Her death B. Relationship to others 1. Reactions after learning that she is to marry Paris 2. Her attitude toward her parents

IV. Impetuosity of Lord Capulet A. Decision to give consent for Juliet to marry Paris B. Reaction when Juliet refuses to marry Paris C. Decision to move the date up one day

V. Impetuosity of Friar Laurence A. Willingness to marry Romeo and Juliet B. Sending Friar John with the letter to Romeo instead of Balthasar C. Leaving Juliet in the tomb after she awoke

VI. Conclusion: Romeo, Juliet, Lord Capulet, and Friar Laurence all acted hastily at some point in the play which contributed to the final destruction of Romeo and Juliet.

Topic #2 Because the entire play represents only five days in the lives of Romeo and Juliet, the time line is an important element. Write an essay explaining the happenings on each of these days and explain how these influenced the outcome of the play.

Outline I. Thesis Statement: Important situations occur in each of these five days of the protagonists’ lives that influence the outcome of the play .

II. Day One—Sunday A. The quarrel among the Capulet and Montague servants 1. Tybalt fights Benvolio 2. Prince issues warning B. Romeo’s romantic nature 1. His infatuation for Rosaline 2. His love for Juliet is established C. Paris asks to marry Juliet D. Lord Capulet’s ball 1. Romeo and Juliet meet 2. Tybalt’s anger is ignited against Romeo

III. Day Two—Monday A. Romeo incorporates Friar Laurence’s help B. The Nurse meets with Romeo to get the wedding plans C. Romeo and Juliet are married D. The fights on the streets of Verona 1. Tybalt kills Mercutio 2. Romeo kills Tybalt E. Romeo is banished F. Friar Laurence devises a plan for Romeo and Juliet G. Paris is granted permission to marry Juliet

IV. Day Three—Tuesday A. Juliet refuses to marry Paris B. Friar Laurence devises another plan for Juliet 1. Juliet drinks the sleeping potion 2. Friar Laurence sends a message to Romeo

V. Day Four—Wednesday A. Juliet is found “dead” B. Juliet is buried in the Capulet monument

VI. Day Five—Thursday A. Romeo learns of Juliet’s death B. Romeo buys poison C. Romeo kills Paris and himself D. Friar Laurence learns that his message to Romeo was not delivered E. Juliet kills herself

VII. Conclusion: The plot of Romeo and Juliet is developed in the course of five days in the lives of the protagonists.

Topic #3 The structure of a play is important to the development and ultimate resolution of the conflict. Write an essay in which the five stages of a tragedy are examined showing a relationship to the story and its development.

Outline I. Thesis Statement: A tragedy can be organized by the dramatist into five components of dramatic structure which enable the play to progress smoothly and logically to a conclusion .

II. Introduction or exposition A. Tone is established. 1. Feud between the families 2. Love of Romeo and Rosaline 3. Love of Romeo and Juliet B. Setting is evoked. 1. Streets of Verona 2. Capulet household C. Characters are introduced.

III. Complication or rising action A. Love between the children of the two feuding families B. Marriage of Romeo and Juliet C. Tybalt’s challenge to Romeo

IV. Climax or Turning Point A. The murders 1. Mercutio 2. Tybalt B. Romeo’s banishment C. Lord Capulet’s decree that Juliet is to marry Paris

V. Falling Action A. Juliet’s internal conflict 1. Conflict with her parents 2. Conflict with the nurse 3. Conflict concerning the compulsory marriage to Paris 4. Fears concerning the potion B. Friar Laurence’s plan for Romeo and Juliet

VI. Conclusion or catastrophe A. Friar Laurence’s message does not reach Romeo B. Deaths 1. Paris 2. Romeo 3. Juliet C. Feud ends with the deaths of Romeo and Juliet

VII. Conclusion: The introduction, the complication, the climax, the falling action, and the conclusion are components of dramatic structure which enable the play to progress smoothly and logically to a conclusion.

Topic #4 Fate and coincidence are used extensively in Romeo and Juliet. Both these elements helped to bring about the tragedy or destruction of the protagonists. Write an essay in which you give examples of how each element is used.

Outline I. Thesis Statement: The elements of fate—chance, circumstance, and coincidence—are used in Romeo and Juliet to advance the plot and bring about the ultimate deaths of the protagonists .

II. Examples of chance and circumstance A. Romeo and Juliet are children of parents who hate one another B. The servant given the list of names for Lord Capulet’s ball cannot read C. Benvolio is able to talk Romeo into attending the ball to look at Rosaline D. Lord Capulet allows Romeo to remain at the ball E. Romeo meets and falls in love with Juliet F. The lovers are separated because of an accidental fight G. The Prince decrees that Romeo is to be banished instead of put to death

III. Examples of coincidence A. Romeo is asked to read the invitation list for the illiterate servant B. Tybalt recognizes Romeo’s voice at the ball C. Lord Capulet moves the wedding day from Thursday to Wednesday D. Balthasar happens to see Juliet’s funeral and tells Romeo of her death E. Friar John is quarantined and Friar Laurence’s message never reaches Romeo F. Friar Laurence arrives too late at Juliet’s tomb. IV. Conclusion: The elements of fate work hand in hand with each other to bring about the inevitable deaths of the protagonists.

Topic #5 Comic relief is used by Shakespeare to delight his audiences. It is often used after an intense scene to relieve the tension brought about by the extremely emotional dialogue or actions in the play. Write an essay describing the situations when comic relief or humor was used by different characters in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet .

Outline I. Thesis Sentence: The use of comic relief or humor is used predominately by three of Shakespeare’s characters to relieve some of the moments of tension in Romeo and Juliet .

II. Nurse A. Her compulsion to talk B. Her use of malapropisms C. Her teasing of Juliet

III. Mercutio A. His Queen Mab speech B. The exchange between Benvolio and Mercutio in Act II, Scene 1 C. His use of puns and figurative language

IV. Lord Capulet A. His remarks toward the young ladies at his ball B. His behavior at the ball C. His preparations for the wedding

V. Conclusion: Humor is used as a comic relief by the nurse, Mercutio, and Lord Capulet in order to relieve the tension brought about by more intense scenes or situations.

Cite this page as follows:

"Romeo and Juliet - Sample Essay Outlines." MAXnotes to Romeo and Juliet, edited by Dr. M. Fogiel, Research and Education Association, Inc., 2000, 25 Aug. 2024 <https://www.enotes.com/topics/romeo-and-juliet/critical-essays#critical-essays-sample-essay-outlines>

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114 Romeo and Juliet Essay Titles & Examples

Looking for Romeo and Juliet essay titles? The world’s most tragic story is worth writing about!

🥀 Best Romeo and Juliet Essay Titles

🖤 romeo and juliet essay prompts.

• 🏆 Best Romeo and Juliet Essay Examples

📌 Interesting Romeo and Juliet Essay Topics

🎭 easy titles for romeo and juliet essays, 👍 exciting romeo and juliet title ideas, ❓ romeo and juliet essay questions.

Romeo and Juliet is probably the most famous tragedy by William Shakespeare. It is a story of two young lovers whose deaths reconcile their feuding families. Whether you are assigned an argumentative, persuasive, or analytical essay on this piece of literature, this article will answer all your questions. Below you’ll find Romeo and Juliet essay examples, thesis ideas, and paper topics.

• “Romeo and Juliet”: character analysis
• What role does the setting play in “Romeo and Juliet”?
• “Romeo and Juliet” and antique tradition of tragic love stories
• Theme of love in “Romeo and Juliet”
• What role does the theme of fate play in “Romeo and Juliet”?
• “Romeo and Juliet”: dramatic structure analysis
• Analyze the balcony scene in “Romeo and Juliet”
• “Romeo and Juliet”: feminist criticism
• The most famous adaptations of “Romeo and Juliet”
• “Romeo and Juliet” in the world culture

Keep reading to learn the key points you can use to write a successful paper.

• Original Italian Tale vs. Shakespeare’s Tragedy

The story described in Shakespeare’s tragedy is based on the Italian tale that was translated into English in the sixteenth century. Original version represents situations and lines from Romeo and Juliet lives.

Shakespeare added a few more main characters: Mercutio, Paris, and Tybalt. Numerous researches state that Shakespeare used three sources to write his tragedy: a novella Giulietta e Romeo by Matteo Bandello, written in 1554; a story Il Novellio, by Masuccio Salernitano; and the Historia Novellamente Ritrovata di Due Nobili Amanti, written by Luigi Da Porto.

You can learn more about these novels to find out similarities and differences between primary sources and Shakespeare’s work

• Love and Fate in Romeo and Juliet

If you’re going to write Romeo and Juliet essay on fate, read this paragraph. Fate is the fundamental concept of the plot. It makes us look at Romeo and Juliet affair as a single tragedy.

At the same time, another core element of the story is love. From the very beginning of the drama, you will clearly understand that the story will end in tragedy.

Shakespeare shows us the value of fate events.

However, love remains a crucial thematic element. The roles of Nurse, Paris, and Romeo show us a physical attraction, sympathy, and romantic affection while being the embodiment of love. Analyze what type of love is represented by each character in your essay. Explain, what do you think real love is.

• Value and Duality in Romeo and Juliet

Among the central idea to consider for your Romeo and Juliet essay titles is an issue of value and duality. Shakespeare actively uses duality in his tragedy by representing the deaths of Romeo and Juliet as reasons of tragedy in Verona, which brought new order to the city.

Friar Laurence also reveals ambiguity when he helped Romeo and thus forced young lovers to suffer in the end. The decision to marry couple had a reason to end the conflict between Montague and Capulets.

Romeo and Juliet’s example discloses happiness and blame brought by key episodes and change in society. In your writing, you may analyze how the effect of adoration had influenced Romeo, Juliet, and other people lives.

• Masculinity in Romeo and Juliet

A lot of Romeo and Juliet essay examples analyze the role of gender and masculinity in the tragedy. Mercutio is shown as a classic example of a real man: active, brave citizen.

He is a person of action. On the other hand, Romeo is described as a boy who seeks for love. Romeo and Juliet love thrown into quarreling world.

You can analyze the reasons why Romeo fights and kills Paris when finding him near Juliet body.

Covering all of the points mentioned above will help you to produce an outstanding Romeo and Juliet essay. Check the samples below to get inspiration and more ideas that you can use in your own paper.

🏆 Best Romeo and Juliet Topic Ideas & Essay Examples

• Different Types of Love Portrayed in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet Term Paper In regards to this communication, the issue of romantic love between Romeo and Juliet is highlighted7. The concept of true love is no where to be seen in Romeo and Juliet’s relationship.
• The Portrayal of Fate in “Romeo and Juliet” Thus, the play Romeo and Juliet demonstrates that fate is the invisible, unavoidable force behind the entirety of the human experience.
• William Shakespeare “Romeo and Juliet” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” This paper examines romantic love as the source of joy and fulfillment in “Romeo and Juliet” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. Love is the source of pain and suffering in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”.
• The Renaissance Time During Romeo and Juliet Men and women performed different roles in the household; the man was responsible for farming while the woman took care of the poultry and dairy. In the upper-class, marriages were arranged and the parents chose […]
• William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” in Baz Luhrmann’s Interpretation The fragility of love in this work is contrasted with its hardness – it can be compared in quality and beauty to a cut diamond.
• Romeo and Juliet’s Analysis and Comparison With the Film Romeo Must Die It can be concluded that, in the case of the original Romeo and Juliet, the main heroes are dying, but their families reconcile.
• Breaking the Rules: Romeo and Juliet’s Quest for Independence Finally, the death of Romeo and Juliet puts an end to their love and is powerful enough to reconcile their feuding families.
• Franco Zeffirelli’s “Romeo and Juliet” Adaptation As the plot of the play develops and the reader gets more involved in the reading of the play, the constant need to read the stage directions has a disruptive effect on the reader’s interaction […]
• “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare: Play’s Concept In Romeo and Juliet, the development of characters eventually led to the tragedy of the main characters. The love of Romeo and Juliet is a remarkable love as they have to undergo many obstacles to […]
• Analysis of the Play ‘Romeo and Juliet’ Another interesting scene of the production that makes it real understanding of the authors work is the casting of the romantic love between Romeo and Juliet, the physical love of the nurse and the contractual […]
• Symbolism and Foreshadowing in “Romeo and Juliet” The love of Juliet to Romeo at the early stages is described as the “bud love, expected to grow into a beauteous flower” when the two meet later.
• Romeo and Juliet: Analysis of Play Being a tragedy, the story narrates the challenges two lovers, Romeo and Juliet, go through due to the enmity between their respective families. For example, the story of Juliet and Romeo presents a romantic and […]
• Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet: Act 1 Scene 4 Review In this speech alone we see Mercutio in direct opposition to all of the characters in Romeo and Juliet while at the same time we are provided an alternate point of view to the ideals […]
• Analysis of “Romeo and Juliet” Directed by Simon Godwin The actors played in the theater without an audience, and the shooting itself took two and a half weeks, but also due to the director’s attempt to combine the action on the theater stage and […]
• Forbidden Love in Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare From Freud’s perspective, the characters’ problems can be perceived as the result of a conflict between their superego, id and ego.
• Personality and Maturity in the Romeo and Juliet Play by W. Shakespeare While this idea is not always true in specific cases, it can be assumed to be true in the case of Romeo and Juliet because of the ways in which they act.
• “Romeo and Juliet”: Play and Film Preminger et al.claim that poetry is to be educative and pleasurable and both versions of “Romeo and Juliet” meet this criterion regardless of the fact that they had to appeal to the audience of a […]
• Love and Sadness in the First Act of “Romeo and Juliet” The love story of Romeo and Juliet is well known to most people, but one might forget that Romeo was initially not in love with Juliet; he met her later.
• Carlo Carlea’s Film “Romeo and Juliet” The new adaptation of my play generally made a controversial impression: the actors look suitable for their roles, but the internal theme of the play seems to be not so profoundly got.
• “Romeo and Juliet” Staged in Greek Style According to the analysis, it is evident that even though the story, plot, and characters stay the same, the change in the style of “Romeo and Juliet” will have a significant difference from the original […]
• Oh Tae-Suk’s Romeo and Juliet Oh Tae-suk is a South-Korean playwright and director, well-known for his masterful portrayal of modern Korean life and the use of the elements of the traditional Korean theater in his plays.
• What Shapes More Lovers’ “Story of Romeo and Juliet?” In Romeo and Juliet, love is the central theme of the tragedy, and the images of the protagonists are mostly shaped by the relationships and challenges they had to face.
• Friar Lawrence in “Romeo and Juliet” by Shakespeare The strengths of such friendships can be seen in the way Friar Laurence accepts and anticipates Romeo’s actions, showing that he is ready to hear him as a friend not as a priest, “Doth couch […]
• Nurse and Friar Laurence in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” The way Friar Laurence supported Romeo and Juliet to get Married, The way the Nurse is opposing in her regards of Romeo and Paris, When Friar Laurence clandestinely married them, the way the Nurse is […]
• Character Analysis of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” The Renaissance in Italy was a time in which historians and writers were most active, sparking a new wave of literacy in the Italian world, said to be the father of Renaissance Europe.
• “Analysis of Causes of Tragic Fate in Romeo and Juliet Based on Shakespeare’s View of Fate” by Jie Li The article is easy to read and makes a compelling case for the reasons that precipitated the tragedy in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
• “Romeo and Juliet” and “The Winter’s Tale” Comparison Because of the importance of the role of plants and trees in the two abovementioned plays, it would be reasonable to consider each of the plays in detail.
• Romeo and Juliet: The Twentieth Century This is the first scene of the play. In the mean time, Capulet learns that Juliet has fallen in love with Romeo, and he is infuriated with the behavior of her daughter.
• Relationships Among Individuals in Shakespeare’s Plays The events that take place in Athens are symbolic in the sense that they represent the sequence of events during the day whereas the events in the forest represent the dream like circumstances.
• The Saga as Old as Time: Romeo and Juliet, Vampire Style Basing partially on the plot of Romeo and Juliet story and partially on the problems that modern teenagers face, The Twilight Saga offers a number of issues that are quite topical nowadays, such as the […]
• The Interpretation of William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” by Baz Luhrmann and Franco Zeffirelli
• The Irresponsibility of Friar Laurence in William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”
• The Key Elements of Aristotle’s Unity of Action Theory in “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare
• The Love of Young Lovers in “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare
• The Lack of a Real Loving Connection Between Juliet and Her Own Parents in “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare
• The Language of Love and Death in “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare
• The Life-Changing Decisions During the Teen Years in “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare
• Central Themes of Violence and Conflict in “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare
• The Origins of the Archetypal Themes Present in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”
• The Passionate Hatred of Tybalt and the Theme of Revenge in “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare
• The Perceptions of Love and the Use of Language and Structure in “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare
• The True Meaning and Experience of Love in “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare
• The Relationship Between Parents and Children Presented in William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”
• The Theme of People Being in Unusual Circumstances in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”
• The Responsible for the Deaths of the Lovers in “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare
• The Role of Fate and Coincidence in William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”
• Comparing the Characters of Tybalt and Mercutio in William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”
• The Role and Representation of the Nurse in William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”
• The Significance of Mercutio in William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”
• The Tragic Ending of a Pair of Star Crossed Lovers in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”
• The Underlying Theme and Message in William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”
• The Unselfish Character of Benvolio in “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare
• True Love in “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare
• The Use of Dramatic Irony and Other Literary Elements in “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare
• Young Love and Human Nature in “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare
• The Suicidal Instinct Depicted in “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare
• The Various Types of Love in the Tragedy of “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare
• The World of True Love in William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”
• The Young Lovers in the Play “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare
• Timeless Appeal of William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” and Leonard Bernstein’s “West Side Story”
• Tragic Love in Movie Adaptations of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” and “Othello”
• Transformation of Juliet in Shakespeare’s Tragedy of “Romeo and Juliet”
• The Use of Oppositions to Create Conflict in “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare
• Two Against the Whole World: “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare
• The Use of Language to Convey Strong Emotion in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”
• Violence and Conflict in William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”
• The Volatile Mixture of Love and Hate in William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”
• The Use of Verbal, Situational, and Dramatic Irony in William Shakespeare’s Play “Romeo and Juliet”
• Shakespeare’s Reflections on Love in the Play “Romeo and Juliet”
• The Importance of Act Three Scene One in “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare
• The Use of Sonnets in “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare
• William Shakespeare’s Use of Death to Create Tension in “Romeo and Juliet”
• The Themes of Love and Madness in William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” and “Romeo and Juliet”
• The Use of Imagery in the Play “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare
• How Does Shakespeare Create a Sense of Tragedy in the Final Scene of “Romeo and Juliet”?
• Are Romeo and Juliet Responsible for Their Deaths?
• How Does Shakespeare Create Drama and Tension in “Romeo and Juliet”?
• Why Does Shakespeare Create Sympathy for “Romeo and Juliet”?
• Is “Romeo and Juliet” Relevant to Modern Life?
• How Does Shakespeare Create a Dramatic Conclusion in Act Five Scene Three of “Romeo and Juliet”?
• How Are Adults Presented in “Romeo and Juliet”?
• How Are the Main Themes Presented in the Opening Sequence of Baz Luhrman’s Film “Romeo and Juliet”?
• Does “Romeo and Juliet” Deserve to Be Considered Pop Culture in the Elizabethan Era?
• Why Does “Romeo and Juliet” Attract Teenagers?
• How Did Shakespeare Introduce the Characters of “Romeo and Juliet”?
• How Does Act One Scene One Provide an Effective Opening to “Romeo and Juliet”?
• How Did Hate Cause Major Events in “Romeo and Juliet”?
• How Does Bas Luhrman’s Staging of Key Scenes “Romeo and Juliet”?
• Did Baz Luhrmann Manage to Gain Sympathy for “Romeo and Juliet” and Interest a Modern Audience?
• How Does Baz Lurhmann Make “Romeo and Juliet” More Accessible to a Modern Audience?
• How Does Conflict Manifest Itself in “Romeo and Juliet”?
• How Does Fate Affect “Romeo and Juliet”?
• Why Did Fate Lead to the Tragic Conclusion of “Romeo and Juliet”?
• How Does Lord Capulet Change Through the Course of the Play “Romeo and Juliet”?
• Why Does Love Change Romeo and Juliet’s Life?
• How Do Shakespeare Introduce Romeo and Juliet’s Relationship?
• Did Romeo and Juliet Ever Have Control Over What Happened to Them or Was It All Fate?
• How Does Shakespeare Make Romeo and Juliet Dramatically Effective?
• How Do Juliet’s Decisions Affect Her Growth and Her Relationships in “Romeo and Juliet”?
• How Does Shakespeare Portray Ambiguity in the Play “Romeo and Juliet”?
• How Are the Relationships in “Romeo and Juliet” Represented and Developed?
• Does the Film “Romeo and Juliet” Have the Same Dramatic Impact on the Audience as the Original Play?
• How Does Shakespeare Portray Love in “Romeo and Juliet”?
• How Does Shakespeare Present Conflict at the Start of “Romeo and Juliet”?
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IvyPanda . 2023. "114 Romeo and Juliet Essay Titles & Examples." December 7, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/romeo-and-juliet-essay-examples/.

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GCSE English Literature - 'Romeo & Juliet' Essays

Subject: English

Age range: 14-16

Resource type: Assessment and revision

Last updated

14 August 2024

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Finding it challenging to grasp ‘Romeo & Juliet’? Or looking for an additional study aid? We’ve got you covered! We’ve put together a set of 5 sample essays from the legendary Literary Heritage text by William Shakespeare! These essays align with the official Pearson Edexcel IGCSE specification, featuring questions akin to those asked in real examinations. Each essay has been evaluated at a grade 9 standard by teachers. Get this set now to boost your vocabulary, refine your grammar, and improve your overall English. Engage with this resource and uplift your English Literature grade to a 9. Share your feedback and let us know how it helped in your exams!

• 5 grade 9 assured PDF documents with no access or editorial restrictions
• Revision Guru watermark removed
• Each document is 2/3 sides ranging from 1000-1500 words making them appropriate length for real examinations
• A guarantee that each essay hits the following 3 asssemessment objectives: AO1, AO2, AO4

The Compiled Sample Essays & Essay Questions: Juliet: Sample Essay Question: ‘How does Shakespeare present Juliet in the play?’

Mercutio: Sample Essay Question: ‘How does Shakespeare present Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet?’

Romeo: Sample Essay Question: ‘How does Shakespeare present the character of Romeo?’

The Nurse: Sample Essay Question: ‘How is the Nurse presented as an important character in Romeo and Juliet?’

Tybalt: Sample Essay Question: ‘Explore the idea that Tybalt as an aggressive and violent character?’

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What are some examples of film adaptations of Romeo and Juliet ?

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Romeo and Juliet

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What is Romeo and Juliet about?

Romeo and Juliet is about a young hero and heroine whose families, the Montagues and the Capulets, respectively, are ferocious enemies. Romeo and Juliet ’s passionate star-crossed love leads to their demise, which ultimately serves to pacify the relationship between their families.

What is Romeo and Juliet based on?

Shakespeare’s principal source for the plot of Romeo and Juliet was The Tragicall Historye of Romeus and Juliet , a long narrative poem written in 1562 by the English poet Arthur Brooke , who had based his poem on a French translation of a tale by the Italian writer Matteo Bandello .

Where is Romeo and Juliet set?

Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is set in Verona , Italy.

How is Romeo and Juliet still relevant today?

The characters of Romeo and Juliet have been continuously depicted in literature, music, dance, and theatre. The premise of the young hero and heroine whose families are enemies is so appealing that Romeo and Juliet have become, in the modern popular imagination, the representative type of star-crossed lovers.

Some of the most distinct film adaptations of Romeo and Juliet are Franco Zeffirelli ’s 1968 version of the same name, which notably cast actors similar in age to the play’s young protagonists; Baz Luhrmann ’s visually vibrant 1996 Romeo + Juliet ; and the 2013 zombie romantic comedy Warm Bodies . Learn more.

Recent News

Romeo and Juliet , play by William Shakespeare , written about 1594–96 and first published in an unauthorized quarto in 1597. An authorized quarto appeared in 1599, substantially longer and more reliable. A third quarto, based on the second, was used by the editors of the First Folio of 1623. The characters of Romeo and Juliet have been depicted in literature , music, dance, and theatre. The appeal of the young hero and heroine—whose families, the Montagues and the Capulets, respectively, are implacable enemies—is such that they have become, in the popular imagination, the representative type of star-crossed lovers.

Shakespeare’s principal source for the plot was The Tragicall Historye of Romeus and Juliet (1562), a long narrative poem by the English poet Arthur Brooke , who had based his poem on a French translation of a tale by the Italian Matteo Bandello .

Shakespeare sets the scene in Verona , Italy . Juliet and Romeo meet and fall instantly in love at a masked ball of the Capulets, and they profess their love when Romeo, unwilling to leave, climbs the wall into the orchard garden of her family’s house and finds her alone at her window. Because their well-to-do families are enemies, the two are married secretly by Friar Laurence . When Tybalt, a Capulet, seeks out Romeo in revenge for the insult of Romeo’s having dared to shower his attentions on Juliet, an ensuing scuffle ends in the death of Romeo’s dearest friend, Mercutio . Impelled by a code of honour among men, Romeo kills Tybalt and is banished to Mantua by the Prince of Verona, who has been insistent that the family feuding cease . When Juliet’s father, unaware that Juliet is already secretly married, arranges a marriage with the eminently eligible Count Paris, the young bride seeks out Friar Laurence for assistance in her desperate situation. He gives her a potion that will make her appear to be dead and proposes that she take it and that Romeo rescue her. She complies. Romeo, however, unaware of the friar’s scheme because a letter has failed to reach him, returns to Verona on hearing of Juliet’s apparent death. He encounters a grieving Paris at Juliet’s tomb, reluctantly kills him when Paris attempts to prevent Romeo from entering the tomb, and finds Juliet in the burial vault. There he gives her a last kiss and kills himself with poison. Juliet awakens, sees the dead Romeo, and kills herself. The families learn what has happened and end their feud.

For a discussion of this play within the context of Shakespeare’s entire corpus, see William Shakespeare: Shakespeare’s plays and poems .

Terrence Mann returns to Shakespeare in ART’s …

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Terrence mann returns to shakespeare in art’s ‘romeo & juliet’.

Mann can play anything. Anything.

The theater legend originated the role of Rum Tum Tugger in “Cats.” He scored Tony nods playing Javert in “Les Misérables” and the Beast in “Beauty and The Beast.” He had been Scrooge, Captain Hook, Frank N. Furter, Jekyll and Hyde, and interstellar bounty hunter Ug in all four “Critters” movies.

And yet, Mann’s response was surprising.

“My words to her were, ‘I am terrified, I am (expletive) terrified,” Mann told the Herald with a laugh. “I told her, ‘Di, I haven’t done Shakespeare in 45 years.’ She just looked at me like, ‘And your point is?’”

Paulus is a master at reinvention (see her versions of “1776,” “Porgy and Bess,” and “Pippin,” which featured Mann). Now she wanted to reframe “Romeo and Juliet” — Aug. 31 to Oct. 6 at the Loeb Drama Center in Harvard Square — turning Shakespeare’s iconic work into something as much about love as hate. And she wanted Mann as the Friar. And she wasn’t going to take no for an answer.

Mann came up doing Shakespeare. He went to University of North Carolina School of the Arts and then, after graduating in 1978, found work at the North Carolina Shakespeare festival for a few years.

“So I’ve got a lot of Shakespeare under my belt, but the last time I did Shakespeare on stage I was 28 years old,” Mann said.

Thankfully Paulus’ pitch came at the right time. In recent years, Mann has spent little time on stage while focusing on TV series, chiefly the Apple TV+ sci-fi show “Foundation.” It’s been fun, but TV projects can be lonely in a way theater never is. While Mann was in Prague shooting the series, he often had days off at a time. Going through Shakespeare’s lines filled his free time.

“I woke up in the morning and all the sudden I had purpose,” he said. “I woke up and knew I had to learn these three pages of Shakespeare. That was the revelation. That was so positive and uplifting. And I still do it to this day. I get up every morning, have coffee, throw my dog the ball, while going through the words. It’s practically meditative.”

In the end, he couldn’t say no to the part for a lot of reasons. He gets a jolt working with a young cast just starting their journey with Shakespeare, including Emilia Suárez as Juliet and Rudy Pankow as Romeo. He adores working with Paulus, who let him have a hand in shaping a fresh take on the Friar. He is thrilled to be back at the ART where, with Paulus at the helm, they took the 2013 “Pippin” revival from Cambridge to Broadway.

“I’ve done about 15 Broadway shows and the only show that I loved going to everyday as long as I was in it was ‘Pippin,’” he said.

Hopefully, he has the same fondness for this production. A good start is that he’s no longer deathly afraid of getting back to Shakespeare as an actor.

“Once I started memorizing… because you have to have this in your bones before you start rehearsal,” he said. “Now I don’t think about being terrified anymore. ”

For tickets and details, visit americanrepertorytheater.org

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Description

This essay contest recognizes outstanding research papers about Shakespeare and Christianity written by Wheaton College undergraduates. This contest is sponsored by the E. Beatrice Batson Shakespeare Society and takes place bi-annually in the spring semester. The next essay contest will take place in Spring 2026.

Award winners receive substantial prizes: $500 for first place; prize money for second place or honorable mentions varies. Award-winning essays are also published in Wheaton Writing: A Journal of Academic Essays alongside award-winning essays from the Jameson Critical Essay Contest and the Jameson First-Year Writing Contest. 

Essay Qualifications

• The essay must richly address at least one of Shakespeare’s works (e.g, a poem or play).
• The essay should be written from a distinctly Christian perspective (e.g., engaging the Bible, Christian history, theology, or a Biblical worldview).
• The essay should be persuasive and should cite multiple scholarly secondary sources.
• The essay must be original, written by the student submitting the essay.
• Only one essay per student per year may be submitted.
• An essay cannot win both a Jameson Critical Essay Contest prize and an E. Beatrice Batson Shakespeare Essay Contest prize.

Essay Submission

• The essay should not include the author’s name. Instead, it should include the student’s ID number.
• Submit the essay using this Google Form:  https://forms.gle/tVoxZ5tYPrkNVJa76

Essay Deadline

Essay submissions are due by 11:59 PM on Monday, May 4, 2026. Questions? Email [email protected]

Past Batson Essay Winners

Ideal Kingship in Shakespeare's Henry V

One of Shakespeare’s most beloved characters, King Henry V has long been revered as “the mirror of all Christian kings.” However, many contemporary scholars reject this interpretation, drawing attention to Henry’s nationalism, Machiavellian ideals, and use of military force, for example. Such arguments ultimately undermine Henry’s complexity. Alluding to the epic tradition, Shakespeare situates Henry within a larger external narrative. From loveable youth to capable leader, it is Henry’s humanity that establishes him as the ideal king.

The Bible in King Lear

King Lear is unique to the big four Shakespearean tragedies in its lack of supernatural activity. This has prompted much critical debate and confusion over the nature of both the divine in the play and the play's relationship to the Bible and Christianity. Critics have commonly employed a top-down methodology, starting first with a theme that Lear seems to be concerned with and then finding passages to support the theme. In this essay, I will employ a bottom-up method, starting with a comprehensive analysis of all the biblical references in the play. I argue that Shakespeare uses the Bible in King Lear to contrast characters, set up a typological Christ-figure, and investigate eschatological themes—creating and then ultimately subverting expectations for a redemptive ending.

The Not-So-Holy Shrine of Catholicism in Romeo and Juliet

“The Not-So-Holy Shrine of Catholicism in Romeo and Juliet” questions a view of Shakespeare’s relationship to the Reformation in the early tragedy, which claims that his main Reformed concern in the play is to endorse individualistic notions of desire and repentance. Instead, the play is shown to display Reformational sensibilities in its exposure of blasphemous imagery and societal corruption as the vehicle for the lovers’ downfall. This reading takes a critical eye to a culturally idealized romance, allowing modern readers to consider more carefully how passion and temptation were viewed in a post-Reformational context.