Learn: Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet'

Welcome!Today we'll explore Shakespeare's tragedy 'Romeo and Juliet'. It's one of the set texts for your WJEC Eduqas GCSE English Literature course, and we'll break it down step by step to help you understand the key themes, characters, and language used.

Introduction to 'Romeo and Juliet''Romeo and Juliet' is one of Shakespeare's most famous plays, written in the late 16th century. It tells the story of two young lovers from feuding families, whose tragic journey explores themes of love, fate, conflict, and family. Understanding these themes will help you analyse the play effectively.

Key Themes in 'Romeo and Juliet'The play explores several important themes:Love: The passionate romance between Romeo and Juliet is central to the play, but Shakespeare also explores different kinds of love, including familial love and friendship.Conflict: The feud between the Montagues and Capulets drives much of the action and highlights the destructive consequences of rivalry.Fate: The idea of destiny and fate is woven throughout the play, with references to 'star-crossed lovers' and the inevitability of tragedy.Youth and Impulsivity: Romeo and Juliet's decisions are often impulsive, driven by their intense emotions and youthfulness.

Key CharactersThere are several important characters in the play:Romeo: A young Montague who falls deeply in love with Juliet.Juliet: A young Capulet who reciprocates Romeo's love and defies her family to be with him.Tybalt: Juliet's fiery cousin who despises the Montagues and plays a key role in the conflict.Friar Laurence: A priest who helps Romeo and Juliet marry in secret but whose plans ultimately lead to tragic consequences.

Language and StructureShakespeare uses poetic forms, such as the sonnet, and various literary devices like metaphor, dramatic irony, and imagery. For example, Romeo and Juliet's first conversation is a shared sonnet, symbolising their unity.

Pathetic FallacyPathetic fallacy is a literary device where human emotions are given to nature or objects. For example, the weather often mirrors the mood of the characters. In 'Romeo and Juliet', storms and darkness reflect the turmoil and tragedy in the story.

Review Time!Great work! You've learned about the key themes, characters, and language used in 'Romeo and Juliet'. Now let's test your understanding with a few questions.

Well done!That's the end of today's lesson on 'Romeo and Juliet'. You've learned about its key themes, characters, and the use of language. Keep practising your analyses, and you'll be ready for your GCSE exams in no time!