For this assignment, you will be writing a literary analysis essay answering the prompt below about Romeo and Juliet.
You may either hand write or type your essay. If you type your essay, please just make a copy of this google doc.
When you have completed your essay, we will have a writing conference to discuss how you can improve your writing.
Submit your final draft either in person (if handwritten) or on Schoology (if typed).
Prompt: Which character is most to blame for Romeo and Juliet’s deaths?
Title and Author:Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
Background/ Summary:Romeo and Juliet is a sad play by William Shakespeare long ago that tells the tale of two young lovers who come from families that are always fighting and sadly, they both meet an unhappy ending because of the things happening around them.
Thesis:The character most to blame for Romeo and Juliet's deaths is Lord Capulet.
Intro to Topic or Reason 1:Lord Capulet makes decisions and does things that cause Romeo and Juliet's sad ending.
Evidence: must be cited in the book
Commentary:
Thesis Restatement:
Final Thoughts:
Post-writing Checklist:
All three paragraphs have at least five sentences.
Quote(s) have a correct citation.
Quotes and citations are formatted correctly and have correct punctuation.
You fully answer the prompt and nothing but the prompt.
Romeo and Juliet is italicized (if typing) or underlined (if handwriting).
Title and Author: Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
Background/ Summary: Romeo and Juliet is a tragic play by William Shakespeare that revolves around the love story of two young individuals, Romeo and Juliet. The play takes place in Verona, Italy, and depicts the conflict between the two families of the young lovers, the Montagues and the Capulets. Despite their forbidden love, Romeo and Juliet marry in secret, but ultimately meet a tragic end due to the circumstances surrounding them.
Thesis: Lord Capulet is the character most to blame for Romeo and Juliet's deaths.
Intro to Topic or Reason 1: Lord Capulet's decisions and actions play a significant role in the tragic outcome of Romeo and Juliet.
Evidence: In Act 3, Scene 5, Juliet refuses to marry Paris, causing Lord Capulet to respond angrily, "Hang thee, young baggage! Disobedient wretch!...An you be mine, I'll give you to my friend. An you be not, hang, beg, starve, die in the streets" (3.5.161-167). Lord Capulet's inability to accept Juliet's refusal and his extreme reaction display his oppressive nature and lack of consideration for his daughter's happiness. This forces Juliet to take drastic measures to escape her predicament.
Commentary: Lord Capulet's harsh words and threats reveal his patriarchal mindset and disregard for Juliet's wishes. By insisting that she marry Paris, Lord Capulet sets in motion a chain of events that lead to the tragedy. Juliet's desperation to avoid this marriage leads her to seek Friar Laurence's help, resulting in the unfortunate plan involving a fake death potion. Lord Capulet's oppressive behavior creates a sense of hopelessness in a situation where compromise and understanding could have prevented the tragic ending.
Thesis Restatement: In conclusion, Lord Capulet is primarily responsible for the untimely deaths of Romeo and Juliet due to his oppressive nature and failure to consider his daughter's happiness.
Final Thoughts: The tragic outcome of Romeo and Juliet's story emphasizes the destructive consequences of family feuds and the consequences of not addressing conflicts through understanding and compromise. Lord Capulet's actions serve as a warning against the dangers of parental authority when it is abused or used without regard for the well-being of their children. The play serves as a timeless reminder of the devastating effects of hatred and the need for reconciliation and empathy.
Post-writing Checklist:
1. All three paragraphs have at least five sentences.
2. Quote(s) have a correct citation.
3. Quotes and citations are formatted correctly and have correct punctuation.
4. You fully answer the prompt and nothing but the prompt.
5. Romeo and Juliet is italicized.