Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare�Global Introductions/ Journal Topics

Love’s Price

Write a paragraph in which you express your opinion to the following statement. Support your opinion with reasons/examples showing how you agree or disagree with the statement.

“Love is worth pursuing at all costs.”

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Deception

Write a response in which you express your opinion to the following statement. Support your opinion with reasons/examples showing how you agree or disagree with the statement.

• “If deception provides enjoyment, it is worth the risk.”

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Love’s Obstacles

Young people in love often face serious obstacles. Write a paragraph in which you explain why people enjoy love stories, whether they end happily or sadly.

Lovesick

• What are the characteristics of being “lovesick”? Can our emotions really make us physically sick?

Feuds

• Sometimes feuds or fights continue for many years. Why do you think some people continue to fight and risk everything (injury, death, punishment) even when they often cannot remember what started the fight in the first place?

Friends and Family: Spouse Selection

• Would you trust your friends and family to choose a wife or husband for you? What type of person would they choose? Why would they choose this type of person for you?

Families and Love

• Why do you think parents/guardians sometimes have a difficult time allowing their son or daughter to date? Use at least three of these words: fear, doubt, prevent, signifies, prohibit.

Perfect Mate

• If you could create your perfect mate (lifelong partner), what would his or her character/personality be like? How would he or she compare to your personality? Use at least two of these words: assert, express, enrich, exemplify, highlight, imitate, sustain.

Love’s Course

• Respond to the quote, “The course of true love never did run smooth.” What does this quote mean? Do you agree?

Rash Actions

Friar Lawrence says the following quote to Romeo, “Wisely and slow. They stumble that run fast.” Can you think of any examples (your life, books, movies, history, current events, etc.) that illustrate the truth of this quote?

Shakespeare & Human Nature/Behavior

Many argue that Shakespeare is a great playwright because of his ability to capture human nature, behavior, and relationships in a way that is timeless to the audience. Do you agree or disagree? Offer evidence to support your claim.

Enemies

• What would it take for you to forgive your worst enemy? What would they have to do, or what would have to happen?

Buried Alive

• How would it feel to be buried alive (either in grave or in tomb)? What fears would you have? What thoughts would occur? If you were Juliet, would you agree to the Friar’s plan? Why or why not?

Miscommunication

• Describe a time when you experienced miscommunication, reported inaccurate information, or received information that was not true/accurate. What were the effects of the miscommunication? How did you correct the situation? Could it have been prevented?

True Love

• What are the characteristics of true love? What does it consist of? What is it not? Have you seen true love in your life? Who portrayed it, and what made it seem like love? Use at least 2 of these words: characterize, compliments, console, display, exemplifies, render.

Fault

• Which characters in the play are responsible for Romeo and Juliet’s death? Give specific reasons and support for each individual.

Romeo and Juliet’s Love

• Did Romeo and Juliet have true love? Give specific reasons to support your answer.