Understanding Shakespeare
The language used by Shakespeare can be difficult to comprehend at times. View the attached video and you will gain the confidence you need to read and enjoy any of his plays. |
|
A 'naughty' introduction to the playA group of teachers got together and decided to have a bit of fun by making this video. The video attempts to 'reach out' to an audience that is unfamiliar with the play. Do you think they succeed in their quest? |
|
The list of CharactersA list of characters from the play, and their family allegiances. |
|
Time Line
The play encompasses four days. The attached time line provides a chronological summary of events. |
|
The prologue
The prologue from Romeo and Juliet accompanied with an explanation of its purpose. In your own words, what does the prologue reveal about the play? |
|
A Power Point presentation over-viewing the script.
An examination of characters, location, events and themes. |
|
Romeo and Juliet
The entire text of the play has been included and is accompanied with a contemporary line by line rendition of the script. The second file will lead you to a multimedia / interactive hyper-link. The URL is stunning in its quality and breadth.. As you read through the play, use the "Review' tab and drop down to comments - make any first impression notes during your first reading. 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. |
|
Romeo and Juliet: Audio EditionHearing the play gives you a much improved sense of the characters, the complications that arise, and the tragedy that concludes the play. This audio is a professional production, freely available via the Internet. Remember, Shakespeare's plays were intended to be heard and seen. |
|
A BBC animation of the play(Three parts). The BBC has produced a number of animations of Shakespeare's plays. The BBC is renowned for its attention to quality. |
|
A short story adaptation of the script
By Charles Lamb. |
|
Romeo and Juliet
An audio of the above narrative. (9 parts) |
|
An example of 'understanding' Shakespeare
The attached file is a short excerpt from the play Romeo and Juliet. Take note of the annotations. As you proceed through the script similar annotations should appear on your pages. This process will assist you in understanding the play. During your second reading of the play, you should highlight examples of literary techniques, identify the techniques and explain the intended effect of those techniques. |
|
enotes
*Introduction
*Characters *Themes *Summary |
|
Why use figurative language?
Having the ability to identify figurative language is important. But you also need to possess the ability to explain its purpose in the context of your studies. |
|
Figurative language
The attached exercise requires you to match an example of figurative language with the correct term. Use the literary devices listed above to assist you in this process. |
|
Literary devices in Romeo and Juliet
Shakespeare's audiences were not only drawn to the theatre due to the story lines. Many appreciated his use of figurative language. |
|
Literary devices - detailed notes
Detailed notes with examples. |
|
Some more examples of figurative language
The attached file includes some examples of figurative language used in Romeo and Juliet. A short explanation accompanies the examples. |
|
Language of love
The attached file includes a selection of quotes and some analysis pertaining to the theme of love within the script. You are to complete the analysis for the remaining quotes. |
|
A detailed evaluation of love
A more advanced evaluation relating to the theme of love in Romeo and Juliet. Please note the convention used when a quote from the play is used (Act, Scene, Line/s). |
|