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Juliet’s Gambit: Agency, Choice & Desperation – Act 4, Scene 1-2 Analysis

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

This lesson explores Act 4, Scenes 1-2 of Romeo and Juliet, focusing on Juliet’s plan to fake her death. Through discussion and textual analysis, students will examine the pressures that lead to her decision, the themes of agency and desperation, and whether her actions reflect strength or fear.

What’s Included?
Full Lesson Plan – A structured guide with clear objectives and activities.
Starter Task: A Difficult Choice – Students consider a scenario where they must choose between escaping a difficult situation or submitting to family expectations. They reflect on:
Have you ever felt trapped in a decision?
How does family and societal pressure influence choices?
How do these ideas connect to Juliet’s dilemma?
Act 4, Scenes 1-2 Video Viewing – A performance of the scene to support comprehension.
Close Reading Task – A 10-minute text analysis, followed by a written summary of key events.
Socratic Circle Discussion – A guided discussion exploring:
Does Juliet’s decision show strength or fear?
How do secrecy and desperation drive the plot forward?
What role do the adults in Juliet’s life play in her choices?
Exit Task – Students complete the sentence:
“Juliet’s choice to fake her death is a sign of ______ but also ______.”
Key Skills Developed:
Analysing Juliet’s agency and decision-making in the play
Exploring themes of pressure, independence, and secrecy
Engaging in structured discussion and literary analysis
Developing argument-building skills through critical thinking
This lesson is ideal for GCSE English teachers looking to help students examine Juliet’s character development and the dramatic tension in this pivotal moment.

Reminder: This lesson follows the Socratic Circle Workbook, available in Lesson 1. 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 most daring decision in the play.

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