"A book, too, can be a star, 'explosive material, capable of stirring up fresh life endlessly,' a living fire to lighten the darkness, leading out into the expanding universe." - from Madeleine L'Engle's Newberry Medal Acceptance Speech

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Insults and Violence in Romeo and Juliet

As we read in the prologue, a lot of "civil blood" will be shed in this play. In the very beginning, there is a street fight between the Montagues and Capulets which begins when servingmen begin to insult each other.

In class, we will be hurling Shakespearean insults at one another to better understand the language and theme of fighting and violence.

Pre-activity questions:
What does it mean to insult someone? What are some examples? Why do people insult each other?

Activity: Divide into two groups. Take turns hurling the insults that you memorized.

Post-reflection questions:

  • How did the activity feel?
  • How might this activity relate to the play?
  • What are some possible reasons for the constant fighting between both families?

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