Understanding themes, characters and plot in 'Romeo and Juliet'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how Shakespeare demonstrates key themes through character and plot action.
Key learning points
- 'Romeo and Juliet' is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare in the 1590s and it is based on an Italian story.
- The plot tells of two young lovers, Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet, who belong to feuding families.
- A theme of a play is a central idea that the writer intends the audience to engage deeply with.
- Key themes in 'Romeo and Juliet' are love, chance, conflict, youth and death.
Keywords
Play - a dramatic work originally intended for the stage
Feud - a long-lasting conflict
Tragedy - a type of play in which terrible or sorrowful things happen to the main character(s)
Theme - a central idea that the writer intends the audience to engage deeply with
Common misconception
Pupils may struggle to understand why the characters take such drastic action in the play.
Explain the importance of familial obligations at the time the play is set; use analogies to describe the feud between the houses. Note also the difficulties around communication - there was no easy way to send messages!
Teacher tip
Before this lesson, pupils must have a good understanding of the plot of 'Romeo and Juliet'. You may wish to read them a simple abridgement such as the 'Shakespeare Stories for Children' version before watching the 'Shakespeare - The Animated Tales' video version.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In which country was William Shakespeare born?
Q2.What was William Shakespeare's occupation?
Q3.What is a 'play'?
Q4.During which time period was William Shakespeare alive?
Q5.How is a play script different to a normal book?
Q6.Which of the following were written by William Shakespeare?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which characters are on the Montague side of the feud?
Q2.Which characters are on the Capulet side of the feud?
Q3.Match each character to their role in the plot of 'Romeo and Juliet'.
gives Juliet the potion
carries messages to Juliet
tries to stop the families feuding
wants Juliet to marry Paris
Q4.Which of the following characters die during 'Romeo and Juliet'?
Q5.Put these events from 'Romeo and Juliet' in order.
Q6.Roughly when were Shakespeare's plays written?
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Understanding themes, characters and plot in 'Romeo and Juliet', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Understanding themes, characters and plot in 'Romeo and Juliet', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 English lessons from the Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet': diary and narrative writing unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.