Romeo and Juliet Introduction and Assessment Overview
This comprehensive introduction explores the fundamental elements of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet while outlining the assessment structure. The play follows two young lovers from the feuding Montague and Capulet families in Verona, culminating in their tragic deaths when Romeo commits suicide believing Juliet to be dead.
Definition: A dramatic tragedy is one of Shakespeare's 13 plays where the hero must possess a fatal flaw leading to a deadly conclusion.
Quote: "Star-crossed lovers" - a pivotal phrase describing Romeo and Juliet as lovers destined by fate to face tragedy.
Highlight: The assessment structure allocates marks across different objectives:
- AO1: 12 marks for personal response with quotes
- AO2: 12 marks for analyzing language, form, and structure
- AO3: 6 marks for understanding context
- AO4: 4 marks for spelling, punctuation, and grammar
Example: The famous line "Wherefore art thou Romeo?" demonstrates Juliet's frustration with Romeo's family name rather than questioning his location.
Vocabulary: "Star-crossed" refers to fate or destiny working against the characters, particularly in relation to their doomed love story.
The play's themes emphasize youth and naivety, with both protagonists being just 13+ years old, contributing to their impulsive decisions and tragic end. This examination represents 40% of the total Literature grade, highlighting its significance in the curriculum.
