Romeo and Juliet Themes and the Literary Analysis Paragraph

Paragraph Components Clear topic sentence. At least two arguments in support of the topic

sentence Evidence Connect any evidence to your arguments

Conclusion sentence

Transitions – What are those?

General Requirements No longer than one page in length Double-spaced Word Processed Present Tense Third Person Cite in MLA Documentation

Citing Shakespeare* Play titles in italics: Romeo and Juliet

How should writers quote a source when writing a paragraph or essay? Is there a format?

When Romeo swears by the moon, Juliet responds, “O, swear not by the moon, th’ inconstant moon, / That monthly changes in her circled orb, / Lest that thy love prove likewise variable” (2.2.114-116).

Format: (Act.Scene.Lines). Verse versus Prose

Themes – Life as a Paradox What is a paradox? par·a·dox  [par-uh-doks] noun 1. a statement or proposition that seems self-

contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.

2. a self-contradictory and false proposition. 3. any person, thing, or situation exhibiting an apparently

contradictory nature. 4. an opinion or statement contrary to commonly accepted

opinion.

Examples of Paradox in Romeo and Juliet

Two houses alike in dignity are fighting. Two children of feuding houses find true love with

each other. Romeo trying to stop a fight results in death. A friar suggests poison to escape problems. True love results in death. Death unites two feuding families.

Themes- Individuals vs. Society What do we know about society during this time?

Great Chain of Being

Nobility

Marriage Primary Source

Examples of Individuals vs. Society Feuding Families vs. Citizens of Verona Friar Lawrence vs. Tradition of the Church Romeo and Juliet vs. Parents’ Feud Juliet vs. Parents Romeo vs. Banishment by Society

Themes - Love Courtly Love

Profane Love

Sacred Love

Examples of Love Romeo & Rosaline“She’ll not be hit / With Cupid’s arrow. She hath Dian’s wit” (1.1.216-217). Mercutio & the Nurse“If love be rough with you, be rough with love; / Prick love for pricking, and you beat love down” (1.4.27-28). Romeo & Juliet“If that thy bent of love be honorable, / Thy purpose marriage, send me word tomorrow” (2.2.150-151).

Themes – Inevitability of Fate Inevitability: Unable to avoid Fate: Predetermined events beyond a person’s

control

What do we know about the belief of fate during this time?

Examples of Fate Romeo just happens to meet the servingman who

cannot read and Rosaline is on the guest list. Romeo and Juliet fall in love “at first sight.” Romeo sneaks into Juliet’s courtyard just as she

happens to be declaring her love for him. Romeo trying to prevent a fight causes death. Friar John is unable to deliver Friar Lawrence’s letter. Juliet wakes up minutes after Romeo’s death.

Themes – Effects of Rash Behavior Rash: Lacking careful consideration of the

consequences Behavior: The way one conducts his or her self.

Do hasty decisions play a role in Romeo and Juliet?

Examples of Rash Behavior Romeo decides to go to Capulet’s feast. Friar marries Romeo and Juliet. Romeo cries about being banished and nearly kills

himself. Juliet talks about killing herself if not with Romeo Friar devises this “fail safe” plan and Juliet goes

through with it. Romeo kicks the dirt before waiting around for Juliet

to say hello.