Act One, Scene Two - Romeo & Juliet

LO: To understand the society in Shakespeare’s time compared to the modern day

03/05/2023

What is your idea of marriage?

Marriage

What is your idea of a marriage?

• Marriage in the English dictionary – the legally and formally recognised union of a man and a woman (or people of the same sex) as partners in a relationship

• What do you think marriage was like in Shakespeare’s time? Did they get free choice in what they could do?

The scene begins with Capulet talking to Paris who would like to marry Juliet

Whilst watching the scene, underline things in your book that answers the following questions:

1. What reasons does Capulet give for Paris NOT marrying Juliet yet?

2. What does Capulet warn and instruct Paris of?3. Think about the differences between marriage

in Shakespeare’s time to marriage nowadays

Think, Pair, Share

• Talk to your neighbour and compare the annotations that you have made

Complete question sheet

Patriarchal Society

• Men are in authority over women in all aspects of society

• Fill in question sheet from this exchange

Modernise it!

• Using your annotations and what you know, you must make a short script (with 15 turns) using modern speech to show what Lord Capulet wants before Paris can marry Juliet• Think about your body language, and where you stand in

front of each other. • It has to include WHY Lord Capulet does not want Juliet to

marry Paris yet

Example

Paris: I was wondering whether you’ve made your mind up about my request

Capulet: My baby is so adorable. She is only 14 years old. I can only let her go when she’s 16. I think 14 years old is too young. As the man of the house, I will have a say as to whom she will marry.

Paris: I understand, but won’t your wife be happy?

Performance

• Speak clearly, and with a good pace• Where are you standing?• Body language

Plenary

• How would you feel if your marriage was decided by your parents?