Working with Shakespeare.

A three part structure to help you dialogue with – and enjoy – Romeo & Juliet.

Part One (40 points):

Choose a partner to discuss the plot and themes of Romeo & Juliet. For every act, you
will write an e-mail correspondence with that partner. Both partners must write their own
observations; this is a conversation between two people, not a collaborative project. Each person
must write all 3 parts described below. I will not be grading grammar, punctuation, word usage,
or accuracy. I only want to hear your thoughts, see that you have discussed the book with a
partner, and make sure you’re on the right track.

At the end of each act, comment on the following three topics:

1. Your thoughts on what has happened so far in the story. Optional questions:
• Do you like the story so far? What exactly do you like/dislike?
• Is anything confusing?
• Do you like one character more than another?
2. A quote from the play, and why you chose that quote. Optional questions:
• What has been a significant quote?
• Where is Shakespeare’s writing really good?
• Why is this quote relevant to the scene/play?
3. Predictions for the next Act (or the rest of the play). Optional questions:
• What do you think will happen next?
• Why do you think that will happen?
• Are you excited to continue reading?

Your comments should be at least a paragraph in length (so 3 paragraphs total). Again, this is
not for accuracy, this is to get you writing and discussing, so write freely!

My Partner: _____________________ My Partner’s E-mail: ____________________________

You have two options to turn in the assignment. Late assignments will not receive full credit.
1. You can bring a printed copy of the conversation to class.
OR
2. You can e-mail me the conversation by the start of class (ankenym@uci.edu).

Finally, for Extra Credit, you can continue your conversation beyond the above requirements.
Once you have sent the above commentary on the story (the 3 topics), you can send additional
thoughts or ideas for extra points (total points available: 2 per Act, 8 total). Each additional e-
mail garners an additional point (so, to get a total of 12/10 on one assignment, you must send
three e-mails, [six if both partners participate]). These must be at least 1 paragraph in length.

Due Dates (must be submitted by the start of class):

Act 1, due: 3.10.10 Act 2, due: 3.17.10
Act 3, due: 3.24.10 Act 4/5, due: 3.29.10
Part Two (30 points):
There will be 3 “Celebrations of Learning” (a.k.a. Quizzes). These quizzes will be 2 quotes from
Romeo & Juliet. You will identify the speaker of the quote and the importance (1 point correct
speaker, 4 points interpretation/importance). An exemplary example is below:

“What, drawn, and talk of peace? I hate the word / As I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee.” (Act I, Scene 1, Line 72)

Speaker: Tybalt
Importance: Tybalt is talking to a Capulet (Benvolio), who has already drawn his sword. He
says he hates peace because he wants to fight with the Capulet. This is important because it sets
the stage for the fight between the Capulets and Montagues. It shows how deep their hatred
runs; the speaker even says only three things he hates: hell, Montagues, and Benvolio (thee). It’s
evident from this quote that the deep-seeded animosity between the Montagues and Capulets is
going to be a major theme of the play.

Celebration of Learning Dates:

Quiz #1: 3.12.10 Quiz #2: 3.24.10 Quiz #3: 3.31.10

Part Three (30 points):

Choose one of the following prompts and respond to it in a 4 page (or longer) paper.
1. The Creative Type: Romeo & Juliet ends tragically, but for this prompt you get to
imagine that it doesn’t. Here you’ll combine creative writing with textual analysis, by
rewriting the ending of the play. You may write it as a play (with lines, etc.) or a short
story. The ending must make logical sense (in the context of Shakespeare’s play), and
you must supplement your short story with a 1 page “Here’s why what happened in my
ending could have really happened.” You must cite specific details from the play.
Exemplary stories will mimic Shakespeare’s style, using analogies, alliteration, rhyme,
etcetera.

2. The Reflective Type: Choices play an important (sometimes fatal!) role in Romeo &
Juliet. However chance (or fate) is also an essential element of the plot. Characters have
no control over some pivotal events. Write an essay which determines whether Choice or
Chance is more influential in deciding Romeo and Juliet’s tragic end. Cite specific
examples from the text. Exemplary papers will show both sides of the issue (how choice
and chance influenced the plot), but will take a stand on one side.

3. The Observant Type: Romeo and Juliet were teenagers. You and your friends are
teenagers. Compare Shakespeare’s teenagers (R&J) to your own life. Do the characters
show qualities found in teenagers today? Can you relate to the choices or feelings of the
characters? How/why? And how did their families and the time period (dating in the 16th
century was different, there wasn’t Facebook) influence their relationship? Exemplary
papers will display a strong understanding of the characters, their life setting, and how
they differ (or are the same) to teenagers today.

Due Dates:
Topic Choice: 3.12.10 / Thesis: 3.29.10 / Rough Draft: 4.2.10 / Final Draft: 4.16.10