Exploring symbolism in Romeo and Juliet's last meeting in Act 3, Scene 5
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the significance of the symbolism in Romeo and Juliet’s last meeting in Act 3, Scene 5.
Key learning points
- Stereotypically, night/darkness represents fear and mystery while day/light represents hope and truth.
- However, for Romeo and Juliet, night/darkness represents protection and safety.
- Because of this, Shakespeare may be highlighting the transgressive nature of their relationship.
- The image of the “lark” may symbolise that Romeo and Juliet are trapped by circumstances and fate.
- Juliet’s prophetic vision may reveal the inescapable nature of their fate.
Keywords
Fate - the development of events outside a person's control, regarded as predetermined by a supernatural power
Stereotypical - with the qualities that people usually expect of a particular type of person or thing
Transgressive - involving a violation of moral or social boundaries
Ominous - giving the worrying impression that something bad is going to happen
Prophetic - accurately predicting what will happen in the future
Common misconception
That light always symbolises hope and optimism in literature.
While light typically symbolises hope and optimism, for Romeo and Juliet it symbolises loss and separation.
Teacher tip
It might be useful to make the discussions around the symbolism of the lark as a whole class discussion as it is a complex idea.
Equipment
You may wish to have a copy of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.'The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities' is the definition of .
Q2.In literature, light typically represents which of the following?
Q3.In literature, dawn typically represents which of the following?
Q4.In Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', what is the consequence of Romeo killing Tybalt in Act 3, Scene 1?
Q5.'With the qualities that people usually expect of a particular type of person or thing' is the definition of which word beginning with 's'?
Q6.'The development of events outside a person's control, regarded as predetermined by a supernatural power' is the definition of which word beginning with 'f'?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In Act 3, Scene 5 of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', Juliet has a vision of which of the following?
Q2.In Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', night represents which of the following for Romeo and Juliet?
Q3.In Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', Romeo and Juliet both have prophetic dreams and visions of their fate - which of the following does this arguably suggest?
Q4.'Giving the worrying impression that something bad is going to happen' is the definition of which word beginning with 'o'?
Q5.'Involving a violation of moral or social boundaries' is the definition of which word beginning with 't'?
Q6.'Accurately predicting what will happen in the future' is the definition of which word beginning with 'p'?
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Exploring symbolism in Romeo and Juliet's last meeting in Act 3, Scene 5, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Exploring symbolism in Romeo and Juliet's last meeting in Act 3, Scene 5, 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.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 English lessons from the Romeo and Juliet: exploring the role of love and fate unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.