Artifact: Reading the ClassicsRomeo and Juliet

(Romeo and Juliet Monologue Explication)

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Understandings for Critical Reading (to address in Reflection)
Literature is cross-cultural: human life & literature is profoundly shaped by the
culture and time period in which it is created.

Classics writers are just like contemporary writers in that they used a variety of
literary tools for different purposes, including to entertain, to inform, to persuade,
to explain, to characterize.

Classics writers access a variety of themes that connect to modern day life.

It is possible to make sense of classic writingsometimes it takes multiple close
readings.

The genre of literature determines the most effective mode to engage with it (e.g.
texts intended for performance or storytelling are more effective when read aloud).

All performances are adaptations that overlay the writers vision and emphasis with
that of the actors, directors and producers.

Classic stories have echoes in a variety of contemporary texts, including graphic
novels, films, plays and music
Knows for Reading Romeo and Juliet
These are things you should know in this unit. They may be helpful to you as you
address your growth toward understandings.
The main characteristics and typical behaviors of each of the major characters
(Romeo, Benvolio, Juliet, Tybalt, Mercutio, Fr. Laurence, Nurse, Paris, Capulet).
The basic plot of Romeo and Juliet and some of the ways its infiltrated modern
culture.
The main themes of Romeo and Juliet.
The role of the stars in the play and the characters lives.
The key events that set the tragedy in motion.