Romeo and Juliet: Premonitions

Premonition is defined as a presentiment of the future; foreboding. It's a feeling that something bad is going to happen. In Romeo and Juliet, both of the title characters have premontions but do not act on them. They go along with their actions without altering them based on their intuition.

Have you ever had a premonition, or a dream, that something bad would happen and then have that premonition come true to an extent? In retrospect, what could you have done to prevent the negative consequences when you first sensed something was amiss?

If you can't think of a time when this has happened to you, you can write about this happening to someone you know or in a book or movie. Write two paragraphs in which you describe the premonition, why or how you neglected to act on it, and how it played out. Post and comment by Friday, February 27.

Shakespearean Stories

This week you will be writing your own Shakespearean comic strip using one or more of the following plot ideas: mistaken identity, star-crossed lovers, and love triangle. These ideas that Shakespeare is famous for are used again and again in popular movies. Some of Shakespeare's plays have even been adapted to a modern high school setting, such as 10 Things I Hate About You and She's the Man.

Think of a movie you are familiar with that centers on one of the three plot ideas and explain how it fits the criteria. To what degree do you think the creators of the movie were influenced by Shakespeare. What Shakespeare play is most similar to the movie? (You may have to research this a bit!)

Write two paragraphs in which you discuss Shakespeare's influence on modern cinema. Post and comment by Friday, February 20.

Anticipating Shakespeare

We are getting ready to begin Romeo and Juliet next week by watching A Midsummer Night's Dream. React to watching Shakespeare on screen: are you able to understand what you see and hear? Is the language becoming easier to understand with increased viewing? Discuss your perception of Shakespeare so far; react to the language, setting, plot and character of the film.

Also discuss your feelings about beginning Romeo and Juliet in class next week. We will read the play aloud in class. You have surely heard something about it - what prior knowledge are you bringing to this unit? How do you think you will like it - will you be enjoying the next two months in class as much as I will?

Please respond with at least two well-developed paragraphs addressing the the topics described above. Post and COMMENT ON A CLASSMATE'S BLOG by Friday, February 13.