R&J: Act 2 Journal

Choose one of the following to write about in Blogger.  Make sure you answer the question(s) completely.  Write in complete sentences.  Before you begin your journal, please write the number of the one you choose.

1.  Romeo’s best friend Mercutio is lively, funny, and witty, while Romeo is melancholy and thoughtful.  Write about a friend who is different who you, but who you like because of those differences.  Why is it fun to be around this person?

2.  In the balcony scene, Juliet claims that her and Romeo’s love is “too rash, too unadvised, too sudden”  What does she mean by this?  Is love more stable when it takes time and effort to develop?  What happens when love moves too quickly?  Do you agree with Juliet?  Explain your thoughts.

3.  Friar Laurence advises both Romeo and Juliet in this play.  Everyone needs someone to talk to at one time or another.  Is there someone in your life who you can always go to for help?  Who is this person and how does he or she help you?  Tell about a time you sought advice from this person.  Did you follow the advice?  What happened?

4.  Romeo and Juliet marry without their parents’ knowledge.  Do you think this is a good idea?  How would your family be affected if you or one of your siblings did this?  Do you think keeping secrets like this lead to positive or negative results?  Why?

R&J: Act 1 Journal

Choose one of the following to write about in Blogger.  Make sure you answer the question(s) completely.  Write in complete sentences.  Before you begin your journal, please write the number of the one you choose.

1.  Lord & Lady Capulet are concerned that their daughter hasn’t yet married.  They choose Paris because he is a noble, wealthy gentleman.  If your parents chose a mate for you, what qualities would they look for?  Explain.

2.  The names Benvolio and Mercutio actually mean benevolent (kind-hearted) and impulsive.  How do the meanings of their names reflect their personalities?  Give examples.  Do you think Shakespeare gave them these names on purpose?  Why?  Write about the history behind your name.  Who named you?  What does your name mean?  If you could choose a different name, what would it be and why?

3.  Define romantic love.  How is it different from love of family? friends? pets?  What do you think is the perfect age to fall in love?  Why?

4.  When Romeo first sees Juliet, he asks himself, “Did my heart love till now?”  Just moments earlier he had claimed to love Roseline.  What is the difference between love and infatuation?  Explain your thoughts.

5.  In the beginning of the play, Verona witnesses a huge brawl between the Montagues and Capulets.  Knowing how violence upsets the citizens of Verona, Prince Escalus claims that anyone seen fighting within the city walls will be put to death.  Violence often has a lasting effect on those who witness it.  Describe a violent incident you have seen (and yes, it can be from tv, news, or movies).  How did it affect you, and how were you able to deal with the aftermath?