'Romeo and Juliet': exploring the influence of religion on society
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore the influence and presentation of religion through the character of Friar Lawrence in ‘Romeo and Juliet’.
Key learning points
- Arguably, Friar Lawrence represents religion in 'Romeo and Juliet'.
- Throughout the play, we see Friar Lawrence influencing the lives and behaviour of characters.
- Potentially, we might see Shakespeare as criticising the influence of religion on society through Friar Lawrence.
- Furthermore, we might see Shakespeare as criticising Catholicism through Friar Lawrence.
Keywords
Influence - the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behaviour of someone or something
Represent - to give a clear understanding or impression of: to describe or present clearly
Deceit - the action or practice of deceiving someone by concealing or misrepresenting the truth
Catholicism - the faith, practice, and church order of the Roman Catholic Church
Common misconception
That we can only interpret Friar Lawrence as a mentor figure to Romeo.
Though Friar Lawrence offers Romeo advice, we might also see his portrayal in a more negative light.
Teacher tip
You could extend the discussion of Act 5, Scene 3 by considernig that Friar Lawrence only explains Romeo and Juliet's marriage because he was apprehended by the Prince's officers.
Equipment
It may be useful to have a copy of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' 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.Put the events of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' in chronological order.
Q2.In Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', which of the following does Friar Lawrence do?
Q3.Which of the following is true of religion in Elizabethan England?
Q4.'To give a clear understanding or impression of: to describe or present clearly' is the definition of which of the following?
Q5.'The capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behaviour of someone or something' is the definition of which word beginning with 'i'?
Q6.Which of the following is true of Shakespeare's relationship with the monarchy?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', which of the following does Friar Lawrence do?
Q2.'The faith, practice, and church order of the Roman Catholic Church' is the definition of which word beginning with 'c'?
Q3.In Act 5, Scene 3 of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', which of the following does Friar Lawrence do?
Q4.'The action or practice of deceiving someone by concealing or misrepresenting the truth' is the definition of which word?
Q5.Complete Friar Lawrence's quotation from Act 3, Scene 3 of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet': "Thy tears are ”.
Q6.Which of the following is true of Queen Elizabeth I and Catholicism?
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: 'Romeo and Juliet': exploring the influence of religion on society, 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 influence of religion on society, 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.