51ºÚÁÏ

How do stories shape our understanding of the world and ourselves?

This lesson explores Act 1, Scene 3 of Romeo and Juliet, focusing on Juliet’s response to marriage and the expectations placed upon her. Through close reading, structured discussion, and creative writing, students will examine how Shakespeare presents family relationships, gender roles, and personal choice.

What’s Included?
Full Lesson Plan – A structured guide with clear objectives and activities.
Quote Matching Starter Task – Students match key quotes to their speakers, analysing different attitudes towards marriage:
Juliet – expresses hesitation about marriage.
Lady Capulet – views marriage as an opportunity for status.
The Nurse – focuses on the romantic and physical aspects of marriage.
Act 1, Scene 3 Video Viewing – A performance of the scene to support comprehension.
Close Reading Task – A 10-minute text analysis, followed by a written summary to consolidate understanding.
Socratic Circle Discussion – A guided discussion on key themes, including:
Family influence and expectations
Personal choice versus duty
How Juliet’s introduction shapes her future decisions
Creative Rewriting Activity – Students rewrite the scene while keeping the core ideas intact, allowing them to explore:
A different setting or time period
Alternative dialogue and character motivations
How Juliet might respond differently under different circumstances
Exit Task – Students summarise how Juliet’s introduction in this scene foreshadows later events in a single sentence.

Key Skills Developed:
Analysing character motivations and relationships
Engaging in structured discussion and debate
Developing creative writing skills through scene adaptation
Understanding the historical and literary context of marriage in the play
This lesson is ideal for GCSE English teachers looking to help students engage with Shakespeare’s themes in a meaningful and creative way.

Find Lesson 1 and the full bundle in my TES resources for a structured approach to Romeo and Juliet.

Download now to guide students through Juliet’s first major dilemma in the play.

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