Exploring the conventions of Shakespearean tragedy in 'Romeo and Juliet'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can consider the conventions of Shakespearean tragedies and how ‘Romeo and Juliet’ meets these conventions.
Key learning points
- A tragedy is a play dealing with tragic events and often ends with a death.
- Shakespearean tragedies conventionally involve a tragic hero with a hamartia.
- Conventionally, Shakespearean tragedies involve supernatural elements and fate which can add discomfort.
- Shakespearean tragedies also involve internal and external conflict as well as a battle of good vs. evil.
- At the end of a tragedy the audience experiences a release of pent up emotions called catharsis.
Keywords
Tragedy - a play dealing with tragic events and often ends with a death
Conventions - a way in which something is usually done
Catharsis - the process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions
Tragic hero - the central character of a play, film, etc., depicted as a noble figure who experiences a tragic downfall
Hamartia - a fatal flaw leading to the downfall of a tragic hero or heroine
Common misconception
That good vs. evil is easy to recognise in characters when reading stories or watching plays.
In tragedies, sometimes a character can embody both good and evil or there could be different perceptions of a character's nature.
Teacher tip
It might be useful to explain the origins of tragedy in Greek theatre to provide more context.
Equipment
You may wish to have a copy of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
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.Which of the following is the definition of a tragedy play?
Q2.Which of the following could be considered a supernatural element in a play or text?
Q3.Match the word with the definition.
having an excessively high opinion of oneself or one's own importance
desire and determination to achieve success
unhappiness and anger because someone has something you want
Q4.Which of the following Shakespeare plays is a tragedy?
Q5.'Of or situated on the inside' is the definition of which word beginning with 'i'?
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.Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' is an example of a ...
Q2.Which of the following are conventions of a Shakespearean tragedy?
Q3.In Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', the conflict between the Montagues and Capulets is an example of __________ conflict in the play.
Q4.'A fatal flaw leading to the downfall of a tragic hero or heroine' is the definition of which of the following?
Q5.In Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', Romeo's hamartia is arguably his...
Q6.Which of the following is the definition of catharsis?
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Exploring the conventions of Shakespearean tragedy in 'Romeo and Juliet', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Exploring the conventions of Shakespearean tragedy 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 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.