Key Themes and Plot Overview

This section provides a brief overview of the main themes and plots of both "Romeo and Juliet" and "The BFG."

Romeo and Juliet:

• Set in Verona, Italy
• Focuses on two star-crossed lovers
• Explores themes of love as a cause of violence, fate's inevitability, and defying societal norms

The BFG:

• Centers around an orphan named Sophie
• Deals with themes of forgiveness, justice, and friendship
• Shows that people can make mistakes without deserving persecution

Definition: Star-crossed lovers: A pair of lovers whose relationship is doomed to fail due to external forces or fate.

What are 3 themes in Romeo and Juliet? Based on this overview, three key themes in Romeo and Juliet are:

1. Love as a catalyst for conflict
2. The power of fate
3. Rebellion against societal expectations

Character Comparisons: Sophie and Juliet

This section draws parallels between the main female characters of both stories: Sophie from "The BFG" and Juliet from "Romeo and Juliet."

Similarities:

1. Both feel trapped early in their respective stories
2. They experience personal growth and liberation throughout the narrative

Sophie's Journey:

• Initially captured by the BFG, feeling trapped
• Discovers the BFG's true nature
• Decides to help stop the other giants, freeing herself from fear

Juliet's Development:

• Initially appears obedient and sheltered
• Hasn't given much thought to marriage despite societal expectations
• Frees herself by secretly marrying Romeo, choosing love over parental approval

Quote: "I'll look to like, if looking liking move; But no more deep will I endart mine eye Than your consent gives strength to make it fly" (Act 1, Scene 3 - Juliet)

Highlight: Both Sophie and Juliet demonstrate personal growth by taking action to change their circumstances.

How is Juliet presented as a character? Juliet is initially presented as an obedient and inexperienced young woman who transforms into a more independent and determined character as the story progresses.

What are 2 character traits of Juliet? Based on this analysis, two key character traits of Juliet are:

1. Initially obedient and seeking parental approval
2. Capable of making independent decisions and pursuing love

Determination as a Common Theme

This section explores how determination is a central theme in both "The BFG" and "Romeo and Juliet," focusing on various characters who exhibit this trait.

The BFG:

1. Sophie: Shows determination in helping to stop the other giants
2. The Big Friendly Giant: Persists in his kindness despite bullying from other giants
3. Fleshlumpeater: Demonstrates negative determination through his relentless bullying and attempts to eat humans

Fleshlumpeater's Determination:

• Bullies the BFG persistently
• Destroys the BFG's dream-cave
• Resists Sophie's attempt to give him a nightmare
• Continues to fight until forcibly relocated to a remote island

Romeo and Juliet: Romeo's Determination:

• Shown through his friendship with Mercutio
• Swears to avenge Mercutio's death after he is killed by Tybalt

Example: Fleshlumpeater's determination is evident when he says, "I is always hungry" and prepares to fight the BFG, even after being warned to stop.

Vocabulary: Trogglehumper - In the world of The BFG, this refers to an unpleasant nightmare.

Theme of love in Romeo and Juliet: While not explicitly discussed in this section, the theme of love is indirectly addressed through Romeo's determination to avenge his friend, showing how love (in this case, platonic love) can drive characters to take decisive action.

The BFG & Romeo and Juliet: Unexpected Literary Parallels

This essay explores the surprising similarities between William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" and Roald Dahl's "The BFG," highlighting the enduring appeal of both authors' works. Despite their different genres and target audiences, these stories share common themes and character traits.

Highlight: Both Shakespeare and Dahl created literature that people still want to read even after their deaths.

The essay acknowledges the challenge of comparing such different works but promises to reveal some intriguing parallels between the two stories.

Quote: "The hardest thing about comparing and contrasting two very different works is that they're confusing, but if they were not different or confusing no one would want to read them."

What are the similarities between Romeo and Juliet and Pyramus and Thisbe? While not directly addressed in this section, the essay sets up a framework for comparing seemingly disparate works of literature, which could be applied to other classic tales as well.