Lesson Five - Romeo and Juliet

"Everyone is familiar with the typical love story in which two young people fall in love and become oblivious to the rest of the world. The young couple is so drawn together that they are willing to go to any lengths for each other, at any cost, regardless of obstacles. There are always obstacles, of course. There may be parental disapproval, problems resulting from strained relationships and previous loyalties, and any number of jealousies and hatreds. These obstacles constantly threaten to ruin the relationship before it really has a chance to grow. To the young lovers, these obstacles are merely annoyances encountered on their way to happiness. They are determined that all of their problems can and will be overcome simply because their love is more important than life itself."

Most people think that it's necessary for us to control our emotions if society is to be reasonable and safe.  However, there are times when people act emotionally.  What are some of the feelings that cause people to:

• fight with each other?
• defend a friend no matter what?
• fall in love with each other?
• fear or resist authority?
• harms themselves or others?
• decide it is better to avoid a confrontation than encourage one?
• decide not to "take the law into their own hands", even though they believe that have been wronged?

Can a person really decide that he or she is going to fall in love with another person? Really think about this question.

The ideas of love, hate, friendship, emotion, and reason, will all translate into important themes in Romeo and Juliet. Keep them in mind as you read or watch the play.

Read or watch Romeo and Juliet (use "Shakespeare in Bits" linked on the Resources 2 page).