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Students will develop their close reading skills as they begin to work carefully through the short excerpt Act 1.1.206–236. In this passage, Romeo discusses his unrequited love for Rosaline with his cousin Benvolio.
Vocabulary
- morrow (n.)
- tyrannous (adj.)
- propagate (v.)
- vexed (adj.)
- nourished (v.)
- gall (n.)
Watch and Write
Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet Scene 1 and Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet (0:2:37–0:9:47)
- Which characters appear in this excerpt from Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet? (Refer back to your text if needed)
- What happens in this portion of the film?
Listen and Read-Along
Read Act 1.1, lines 158–202 (from “Good morrow, cousin. / Is the day so young?” to “In sadness, cousin, I do love a woman”). Focus your attention on how Shakespeare introduces Romeo in this scene.
Answer Questions
- Why is Romeo surprised it is so early in the day?
- What does the audience learn about the reasons for Romeo’s sadness through his response to Benvolio?
- How does Romeo respond to Benvolio’s weeping at his “good heart’s oppression”?
- How does Shakespeare use metaphor to develop Romeo’s character?
- How does Romeo’s refusal to tell Benvolio whom he loves further develop Romeo’s character?
Quick Write (10-15 Minute Paragraph)
Respond briefly in writing to the following prompt:
-
How does Shakespeare introduce Romeo in lines 158–202?
Look at your annotations /the text to find evidence. Use this lesson’s vocabulary wherever possible and use the Short Response Rubric and Checklist to guide written responses.