51ºÚÁÏ

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

This lesson explores Act 2, Scene 1 of Romeo and Juliet, focusing on the famous balcony scene where Romeo and Juliet express their love and plan their future in secret. Through critical discussion and textual analysis, students will examine how Shakespeare presents love, fate, impulsiveness, and secrecy while analysing his use of imagery, contrast, and dramatic irony.

• Full Lesson Plan – A structured guide with clear objectives and activities.
• Interactive Starter Task – Students evaluate actions from the play, deciding whether they are romantic, reckless, or rational, prompting discussion on love and impulsiveness.
• Act 2, Scene 1 Video Viewing – A performance of the scene to support understanding.
• Close Reading Task – A 10-minute analysis, followed by a written summary to consolidate comprehension.
• Socratic Circle Discussion – A guided discussion on key themes:
  • Fate & Free Will – Are Romeo and Juliet making choices, or is fate leading them?
  • Love vs. Recklessness – Is their love passionate or impulsive?
  • Secrecy & Risk – Why do they keep their love hidden, and what are the consequences?
  • Light & Dark Imagery – How does Shakespeare contrast their love with the surrounding dangers?
• Exit Task – Students choose one word to describe their thoughts on Romeo and Juliet’s love so far (e.g., passionate, reckless, impulsive, inevitable, dangerous) and explain their reasoning.

• Critical thinking and analysis of literary themes
• Close reading and interpretation of Shakespearean language
• Discussion and debate through Socratic dialogue
• Understanding of dramatic techniques, imagery, and irony

This lesson is perfect for GCSE English teachers looking to help students critically engage with Shakespeare’s themes while making connections to modern views on love and relationships.

Reminder: This lesson follows the Socratic Circle Workbook, available with the purchase of 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 one of the most iconic love scenes in literature.

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51ºÚÁÏ Notice: This resource is for personal classroom use only. Redistribution, resale, or uploading to shared platforms (including school drives and VLEs not for personal classroom use) is strictly prohibited. If you need additional licences, please purchase them separately. © 2024. Revolutionary Education. All rights reserved.