Writing a High School-Level Essay for Romeo and Juliet

Romeo and Juliet Final Assignment: Write a literary essay that focuses on and analyzes character. Use the reading and writing skills you have learned all year. Here are some specific topics you can write about:

1.       Romeo and Juliet tells the story of two young lovers who fall deeply in love and do everything they can to be together.  Compare and contrast the actions of this couple with those of typical teenagers we see today in America.  What factors play a role in this love story that create similarities and differences to today’s love stories?  Possible topics to consider in your analysis (feel free to add your own):  

i. What are the common dating practices of each time period?
ii. How do the different cultures affect dating norms?
iii. How does age play a role in decision-making?
iv. How much parental involvement is expected in a dating relationship? What is acceptable behavior if parents and children do not see eye to eye?
v. Besides family grudges, what are other reasons two young lovers would be forbidden from being together?

2.       William Shakespeare is very intentional about how he shapes each character in the play so that each plays an integral role in the tragedy that ensues.  Analyze the personality traits of 2-4 characters in Romeo and Juliet and explain how their unique traits contributed to the tragedy of the play. Possible characters to consider in your analysis (feel free to add your own):  Romeo, Juliet, Lord Capulet, Benvolio, Tybalt, The Friar, Mercutio, The Nurse

3.       How does the character develop and change in the story? What theme or message is shown through these changes?

4.       Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the character. How do these strengths and weaknesses affect his/her life and the lives of the characters?

5.       How is the character an archetype (see this link for examples)? What type of character is he/she? How do you know? Perhaps compare to another similar archetype.

In your essay, be sure to:

• develop and focus on a complex, analytical thesis statement
• write a thoughtfully organized essay of at least 5 paragraphs
• correctly incorporate and elaborate on textual evidence
• use sophisticated vocabulary
• have correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation

Breakdown of assignments:	Due Date
1.       Topic and 1-paragraph proposal – what is your topic and why did you choose it? What do you want to show in your essay?
2.       Thesis and outline – typed; hand in a copy and publish on your blog; this counts as the blog post due 4/25
3.       First draft – bring in a handwritten or typed copy
4.       Final draft – double-spaced, 12 pt. font; cite sources correctly; also publish on your blog
5.       Extra credit (you may include 1; worth up to 5 points): ·         write a sonnet from the point of view of one or all of the characters you wrote your essay on ·         memorize and recite (to me) at least 10 lines of your character ·         create a visual or artistic representation of your character

For more help and guidelines, here is a thorough overview of the necessary elements of a literary essay: http://www.gmc.edu/students/arc/documents/Literary%20analysis.pdf

Name:_______________________________________ Class:_____________ Date:____________________

Romeo and Juliet Literary Essay Rubric

5: Exceeds 8th grade standards, 4: Meets 8th grade standards,3: Approaches 8th grade standards, 2: Requires more effort, 1: Not attempted

Criteria	Self-assessment	Teacher Assessment
1. Focus •   Clear, analytical thesis statement which is stated in the introduction and is developed throughout the essay ·         The thesis provides interesting insight on the text
2. Organization ·         Intriguing lead and focused introduction •   Purposeful paragraphs prove the thesis ·         Conclusion is thought-provoking; it further develops and extends the thesis
3. Evidence and Elaboration •   Writer has supported  and elaborated on his or her focus using relevant textual evidence (Writing Standard 1) •   Textual evidence has been “unpacked” and explained using strategies covered in class (Writing Standard 1)  ·         Quotations are introduced and correctly cited
4. Writing for an Audience •   Writer has taken the time to edit for punctuation, capitalization, and spelling •   Title is either in quotations or underlined/italicized; author is mentioned •   The writing is thoughtful and creative and has strong voice (authentic to writer)
5. Reading and Writing Process ·         Writer wrote a complete thesis and outline •   Writer includes at least one draft; intentional revisions improve the essay •   Writer handed in a 12-pt font, double-spaced typed essay on time
6. Extra features: ·         Sonnet from point of view of character ·         Memorize and recite at least 10 lines of your character ·         Create a visual or artistic representation of your character ·         Other (see me):