Product Overview
Romeo And Juliet: Was It Fate?
Despite being written over 400 years ago, the play's exploration of youthful passion, parental conflict, and the consequences of violent feuds remains relevant today
Ordering Books for Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
No order minimum; you can order just one copy if that's all you need! :-) Order your class set of books for Romeo and Juliet now, and take advantage of our bulk order discounts!
Notes About The Literary Touchstone Classics Edition of Romeo and Juliet
We think the Literary Touchstone Classic edition of Romeo and Juliet is the best for classroom use. These affordable editions of beloved works are designed by former educators with the needs of both teachers and students in mind.
To help students fully understand the classic work they're studying, every Literary Touchstone Classic includes pre-reading notes that cite important aspects of the text that students should examine and question while reading. Each book also contains an extensive vocabulary list and a glossary that explains unfamiliar allusions and challenging passages.
If you're looking for books that will last for years, Literary Touchstone Classics fit the bill. Sturdy bindings and high-quality paper ensure they'll hold up to repeated use, and they're made in the U.S.A.
Other Editions
If you need to add onto a class set of a different edition or simply prefer another edition, contact us with the ISBN or edition information, and we'll check the availability for you.
If you are reading Romeo and Juliet with students who need a simplified version, contact us, and we'll help you find one that is appropriate for your situation.
|
 |
About the Play Romeo and Juliet |
The play opens with a street brawl between servants of the feuding noble families of Capulet and Montague. The Prince of Verona intervenes and declares that further breach of peace will be punishable by death. This feud sets the stage for the tragic events that follow. Romeo Montague sneaks into a Capulet party and meets Juliet Capulet. They instantly fall in love, even though they realize they are from rival families. That night, they vow their eternal love and decide to marry in secret. Friar Laurence agrees to marry Romeo and Juliet, hoping their union will end the feud. However, the situation escalates when Tybalt, Juliet’s cousin, kills Romeo’s friend Mercutio in a duel. In a fit of rage, Romeo avenges Mercutio's death by killing Tybalt, leading to his banishment. With Romeo banished and Juliet's impending arranged marriage to Paris, Friar Laurence devises a plan. Juliet takes a potion that makes her appear dead. The plan goes awry when Romeo, unaware of the scheme, believes Juliet is truly dead. He takes his own life beside her. Upon awakening, Juliet finds Romeo dead and ends her life as well. The deaths of Romeo and Juliet bring the families together. Stricken with grief, they agree to end their feud, realizing the price of their enmity. The Prince reflects on the tragedy and the lessons to be learned from it.
|
Themes in the play Romeo and Juliet |
The Power of Love: Love is the central theme of the play. Romeo and Juliet’s love is immediate and intense, challenging social norms and family expectations. Their love drives them to defy their families and ultimately leads to their tragic end. Fate and Free Will: Shakespeare weaves the theme of fate throughout the play. From the "star-crossed lovers" to the numerous omens and premonitions, fate seems to control the characters' lives. Yet, their choices also shape their destinies. Engage students in debates about the balance of fate and free will in the play. The Consequences of Feuds: The destructive impact of family feuds is evident. The hatred between the Capulets and Montagues not only affects Romeo and Juliet but also leads to the deaths of Mercutio, Tybalt, and Paris. Use this theme to discuss the broader social implications of conflict and reconciliation.
|
Activity Ideas for the play Romeo and Juliet |
Dramatic Readings and Role-Playing: Encourage students to perform scenes from the play. Assign roles and have them practice and perform key scenes. This helps students understand the characters’ emotions and motivations. Role-playing can also include modern-day scenarios to make the themes more relatable. Creative Writing Assignments: Ask students to write diary entries from the perspectives of different characters. For example, what might Juliet write the night before taking the potion? Alternatively, have them rewrite a scene in a modern setting, which helps them grasp the timeless nature of the play's themes. Discussions: Pose questions such as, "Is Romeo and Juliet's love genuine or infatuation?" or "Are the characters’ fates determined by destiny or their own choices?" This encourages critical thinking and deeper engagement with the text. Comparative Analysis: Compare and contrast Romeo and Juliet with other works of literature or film adaptations. Discuss how different versions interpret the characters and themes. This can broaden students' perspectives and enhance their analytical skills. Exploring Historical Context: Provide background on the historical and social context of Shakespeare's time. Discuss how societal norms and family dynamics during the Elizabethan era influenced the play’s themes. This helps students appreciate the play's relevance across different periods.
|
Customer Service
- We guarantee you'll have the best customer service experience ever with Teacher's Pet Publications.
- We are here to help make things as easy as possible for you!
- Your information is secure. We don't keep your card number on file anywhere, and we don't sell, rent, or give away your personal information.
- We treat you as we would like to be treated as a customer!
- Need help? Have questions? We're always happy to assist you! Contact Us
