Romeo and Juliet Webquest
"My only love sprung from my only hate"
Introduction| Task| Resources | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion
Although written over 400 years ago, The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet has continued to capture the imagination and emotions of people throughout the ages. The timeless drama portrays the passionate, violent, and desperate lives of youth during the Italian Renaissance. West Side Story is a modern retelling of the play. In this play rival gangs battle each other in the streets of New York. Teenagers in the 21st century can still relate to the characters and themes in Romeo and Juliet as they struggle with many of the same issues. Parental influence, young love, intolerance, and the revenge code of gang members are ever-present issues in society today. In this webquest you will explore the timeline of this classic story and discuss its universal themes and truths. After completing this study you should be able to recognize the timeless appeal and value of good literature. These activities should be a starting point for productive discussions and character studies. Go to the link below to get the "lowdown" on the author.
Franco Zefferelli film link
Preparation: Read Romeo and Juliet.
Watch the movies Romeo and Juliet (preferably the 1968 version) and West Side Story.
Spend one class period on each of the three suggested
projects described under process.
The following resources are direct student links to be used in this project..
Student Resources:
Shakespeare's
Life in Pictures
SCENES FROM WEST SIDE STORY
Teacher Resources : The following
lesson plans
cover several grade and ability levels and subject areas.
2. Write a two page essay on one of the following
topics:
* Similarities and differences
between Romeo & Juliet and West Side Story
* Why Romeo and Juliet
is relevant to today’s audience
* How Shakespeare adapted
Romeo and Juliet for the Elizabethan audience
3. Prepare a 3-5 minute improvisational scene
from Romeo and Juliet.
Present it in the style
and setting of your choice. Examples:
* A cowboy
and a teenage girl in your home town
* A “valley
girl” and a “surfer dude”
* Hillbillies
* New Yorkers
* Eskimoes
* Senior citizens
* New Yorkers
Evaluation
You will be evaluated on your participation and discussion
on the worksheet activity # 1. Activity # 2 will be an individual
grade which will be evaluated for content, creativity, and mechanics.
Activity # 3 is a group grade. Role playing will be evaluated on
creativity, energy, and commitment to character.
History
and literature can teach us not only about our past, but about our future.
The conflicts in Romeo and Juliet and
West Side Story provide
us with examples of the tragic consequences of violence and intolerance
that continue to plague society today. Hopefully our discussions
place each of us in a position to make good decisions in our own lives.
Remember: "There is much to do with hate, but more with love."
Last updated 01/10/05.
