'Romeo and Juliet': exploring the theme of individuality
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore the concept of individuality in ‘Romeo and Juliet’.
Key learning points
- Until the late 16th century, individual identity was seen as a function of an individual's place in a social network.
- Arguably, Romeo and Juliet both act based on their individual desires in 'Romeo and Juliet'.
- For Romeo, this individuality causes social isolation at the beginning of the play.
- For Romeo and Juliet, their individual desires arguably lead to their tragic downfall.
Keywords
Individuality - the quality or character of a particular person or thing that distinguishes them from others of the same kind
Autonomy - the ability to make your own decisions about what to do
Consequence - a result of a particular action or situation, often one that is bad or not convenient
Common misconception
Individuality has always been associated with being unique and making your own decisions.
In the sixteenth century, individuals were seen as existing as part of a network of social and family structures.
Teacher tip
It may be useful to expand on the idea of Romeo and Juliet acting on their individual desires by thinking about how they avoid the advice of both Friar Lawrence and the Nurse.
Equipment
You may wish to have a copy of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' with you for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', Romeo and Juliet marry in secret. Which of the following are they doing through their marriage?
Q2.In Elizabethan England, children were expected to do which of the following?
Q3.In Act 1, Scene 1 of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', Romeo is positioned __________ the street fight between the Montagues and Capulets.
Q4.'A result of a particular action or situation, often one that is bad or not convenient' is the definition of which word beginning with 'c'?
Q5.Complete the quotation from the prologue of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet': "From ancient break to new mutiny".
Q6.In Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', Romeo feels love deeply and thinks that it defines his identity. How does this view of love relate to stereotypes of masculinity in Elizabethan England?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' is a __________ play.
Q2.'The quality or character of a particular person or thing that distinguishes them from others of the same kind' is the definition of which word beginning with 'i'?
Q3.In modern society, being an individual means which of the following?
Q4.In the sixteenth century, individuality was seen as which of the following?
Q5.In Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', Shakespeare arguably shows Romeo experiencing social as a result of his individuality.
Q6.'The ability to make your own decisions about what to do' is the definition of which word beginning with 'a'?
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: 'Romeo and Juliet': exploring the theme of individuality, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: 'Romeo and Juliet': exploring the theme of individuality, 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: the tragedy of societal expectations unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.