Shakespeare Introduction

Before we start:

1. The writer's course is finished!

I should have 4 pieces of work.

Some people have not turned in ONE piece yet!

If I don't have  two pieces of work by Friday then I will give you an "F" warning!

2. The next two Fridays are for the Classic book talks. Sign up!
Please fill in the sheet which is here 

3. Those who missed the Cambridge Reading Test will do it on Friday


Today we finally get to start studying "Romeo and Juliet".

We will use a Shakespeare Survival Kit which should be completed by the time we finish the play.

We will start off by getting a copy of the play from Björn.
Then there will be a video about Shakespeare's life.

Fill in some information for each heading on the document (available on paper)

After that we will begin studying the language and looking at the compendium.
Here are some of the documents:

General 

Words  -Some basic information about Shakespeare's language

Common Shakespeare terms- more general language information 

Figurative language- some of the devices Shakespeare uses to enrichen his plays

What did he say? Test your own knowledge of Shakespeare's words having read through the information about his language

Punny guy! The classic Shakespeare device for providing verbal humour (N.B. This is a pdf file!)

Here ia an extra resource from about.com( http://specials.about.com/service/newsletters/shakespeare/3d5479d1d00001ad8c000fac.htm )which I can recommend

Romeo and Juliet
This list of links provides more information than you will ever need 

A taste of things to come- Act I Scene 1 (first part in original text and modern text).

Here are the study questions for Act I

1. What is the setting for the play?
2. What scene of conflict opens the action of the play?
3. Which character tries to stop the fighting among the servants?
4. Which character is aggressive and eager to fight?
5. What warning does the Prince give to anyone who breaks the peace again?
6. Who has asked for Juliet's hand in marriage?
7. How old is Juliet?
8. In what state of mind is Romeo when we first see him in the play? 
 9. Explain how Romeo finds out about the Capulet ball?
10. How does Benvolio try to remedy Romeo's love sickness? 

We shall go through Act I on Monday. By then you should know the answers!