Real World Connections
If Romeo and Juliet were teens today, which modern problem would affect them most: family pressure, social media drama, or toxic friendships? Explain briefly.
Student Choice. Point will be given biased on the explanation.
This theme appears when Romeo fears “some consequence yet hanging in the stars” before going to the Capulet party. What theme is this showing?
What is fate (or destiny)?
This character acts as a peacemaker but unintentionally contributes to tragedy by making secret plans. Who is it?
Who is Friar Lawrence?
Romeo chooses to go to the Capulet party even after saying he fears “some consequence yet hanging in the stars.” What consequence does this choice lead to?
It leads him to meet Juliet, which begins the tragic chain of events.
"A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life." (Prologue) How does this quote connect to the theme of fate?
It shows that Romeo and Juliet’s destiny is controlled by fate from the beginning and their tragic ending is inevitable.
Romeo and Juliet keep their relationship a secret. Is secret dating ever justified in real life? Why or why not?
Student Choice. Point is given based on the explanation.
Juliet says, “My only love sprung from my only hate.” What theme does this line highlight?
What is love vs. hate or family conflict?
Romeo makes decisions quickly based on intense emotions. What tragic flaw does this show about his personality?
What is impulsiveness / emotional rashness?
Romeo and Juliet choose to get married in secret. How does this decision create future conflict?
It keeps their families in the dark and forces lies and risky plans, increasing tension.
"My only love sprung from my only hate!" (Juliet, 1.5). What two themes are connected in this quote?
Love and conflict — Juliet realizes she loves someone from the rival family, creating inner conflict and family tension.
The feud between the Montagues and Capulets is long and violent. What modern issue do you think is similar to this feud—gang rivalry, cancel culture, or political division? Defend your choice.
Student Choice. Point is awarded for the defense of their choice.
Violence and love are closely connected throughout the play. How does Shakespeare show that love can cause conflict and destruction? Give one example.
Romeo kills Tybalt to avenge Mercutio out of love and loyalty; the secret marriage causes family conflict; the lovers’ passion leads to their deaths. (Any valid example earns points.)
Who changes the most throughout the play?
Juliet changes the most throughout the play. She goes from obedient daughter to independent decision-maker.
Romeo chooses to avenge Mercutio and kills Tybalt. Why could this be the turning point of the play?
It gets Romeo banished, which leads to the tragedy.
"O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?" (Juliet, 2.2) How does this quote reflect the theme of individual desire vs. family expectation?
Juliet wishes Romeo wasn’t a Montague so they could be together, showing her struggle between love and loyalty to family.
Many characters make reckless decisions because of intense emotions. Do you think emotional decisions lead to more harm today than they did in Shakespeare’s time? Give an example.
Point is awarded for the example provided.
Shakespeare uses light and dark imagery in the play. What does light usually represent for Romeo and Juliet, and why is that ironic?
Light represents hope, beauty, and love but ironically, their love leads to darkness and death.
Tybalt is obsessed with family honor. How does this mindset shape his actions and relationships in the play?
It makes him aggressive, violent, and unwilling to forgive, which fuels the feud.
Juliet chooses to fake her death rather than marry Paris. Why is this choice dangerous?
It depends on a risky plan and perfect timing, which easily goes wrong.
"These violent delights have violent ends." (Friar Lawrence, 2.6) What theme or warning is being expressed here?
The danger of impulsive passion, love that begins too intensely can end in tragedy.
If a tragedy like Romeo and Juliet happened today, who would be held legally or socially responsible? (Parents, friends, Friar-like adult figures, society, or the teens themselves?) Defend your answer with reasoning.
Student Choice. Answer is given for students reasoning.
Which theme grows stronger with every act of the play: fate or choice? Use one example to argue your answer.
Either fate OR choice is acceptable if justified with evidence (e.g. “choice: Romeo chooses to duel Tybalt,” or “fate: bad timing leads to tragedy”).
The Nurse and Friar Lawrence both act as parental figures. Why might Romeo and Juliet trust them more than their real parents?
Student Choice of answer.
Romeo chooses to kill himself immediately after seeing Juliet “dead,” without checking if she’s truly gone. What flaw drives this final choice?
His impulsiveness and emotional thinking lead to tragedy.
"I defy you, stars!" (Romeo, 5.1). How does this quote reflect Romeo’s response to fate?
Romeo wants to rebel against destiny.