Objectives:
RL.9-10.1 Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text
says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
RL.9-10.3 Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting
motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and
advance the plot or develop the theme.
RL.9-10.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text,
including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific
word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language evokes a sense of time and
place; how it sets a formal or informal tone).
W.9-10.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas,
concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection,
organization, and analysis of content.
W.9-10.9 Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis,
reflection, and research.
Bellwork:
1. Grab two handouts
2. Sit in a group of four
In your group of 4…
1. Assign each group member a reading part:
Mercutio
Benvolio
Tybalt
Romeo
2. Begin to read Act III - up to line 130. Use a
dictionary to help you!
Your Job…
• As we discuss the scene you just read, your
job is to annotate important information on
your copy of the reading.
What has happened??
•
•
•
•
•
•
Tybalt challenged Romeo
Romeo tried to walk away
Mercutio stepped in and fought Tybalt
Romeo tried to break it up – stepped between
Mercutio is killed
Rome avenges Mercutio – kills Tybalt
Read lines 59-69
What reason does Romeo have to love Tybalt?
ROMEO: Tybalt, the reason that I have to love thee
Doth much excuse the appertaining rage
To such a greeting: villain am I none;
Therefore farewell; I see thou know'st me not.
59
TYBALT: Boy, this shall not excuse the injuries
That thou hast done me; therefore turn and draw.
ROMEO: I do protest, I never injured thee,
But love thee better than thou canst devise,
Till thou shalt know the reason of my love:
And so, good Capulet,--which name I tender
As dearly as my own,--be satisfied.
69
What clues in the text help you to
understand what Romeo means by the
word “tender”?
• Circle your answer and be ready to share.
ROMEO: I do protest, I never injured thee,
But love thee better than thou canst devise,
Till thou shalt know the reason of my love:
And so, good Capulet,--which name I tender
As dearly as my own,--be satisfied.
69
“Dearly” implies to hold something dear, or to value
it. This makes sense if you’ve heard the term “legal
tender” when talking about money.
Read the exchange between Tybalt
and Romeo.
Does Romeo orignally want to fight Tybalt?
Prove your answer with evidence from the text.
“Therefore farewell; I see thou know'st me not.”
“And so, good Capulet,--which name I tender
As dearly as my own,--be satisfied.”
“Gentle Mercutio, put thy rapier up.”
“Draw, Benvolio; beat down their weapons.
Gentlemen, for shame, forbear this outrage!”
Tybalt address the following words to
Romeo:
TYBALT: O calm, dishonourable, vile submission!
Alla stoccata carries it away.
What is it that he finds dishonorable?
What action does Mercutio think is honorable? Prove it.
He thinks Romeo’s calmness and “submission” is “vile”
(meaning?)
He thinks fighting
is honorable – he fights with
Therefore, he is ashamed of Romeo’s
Tybalt! refusal to fight.
Read lines 84-89
Who is responsible for Mercutio’s injury?
Underline words from the text to support your
answer. Be ready to share.
Now read lines 100-105
Who does Mercutio say is responsible for his
injury. Underline words from the text to support
your answer. Be ready to share.
Who is responsible?
Mercutio is responsible – he entered a fight not
meant for him.
“Tybalt, you rat-catcher, will you walk?”
“make haste, lest mine [Mercutio’s sword] be
about your ears [Tybalt’s ears] ere it be out.”
Who does Mercutio blame?
He blames the two families
(Montagues/Capulets), but in particular –
Romeo.
“A plague o'both your houses!”
“Why the devil came you between us? I
was hurt under your arm.”
Read lines 90-105
MERCUTIO: No, 'tis not so deep as a well, nor so
wide as a church-door; but 'tis enough,'twill serve:
ask for me to-morrow, and you shall find me a grave
man. I am peppered, I warrant, for this world. A
plague o'both your houses! 'Zounds, a dog, a rat, a
mouse, a cat, to scratch a man to death! a braggart,
a rogue, a villain, that fights by the book of
arithmetic! Why the devil came you between us? I
was hurt under your arm.
Remember how we discussed Shakespeare’s
ability to play with words (Collier, collar, choler)?
The word “grave” can have several meanings.
1. Explain how Shakespeare uses two different
meaning of the word in Mercutio’s speech.
2. Why does Mercutio chose this word to describe
himself? Use evidence from the text to support
your answer. Be ready to discuss.
Grave: serious
This violation of school rules is a grave matter.
His carelessness could have grave consequences.
They have placed themselves in grave danger.
Grave: a place to put a dead body
She placed flowers upon his grave.
Who does Romeo blame for
Mercutio’s death?
He blames Juliet!
Why? Explain these lines to me…
“O sweet Juliet,
Thy beauty hath made me effeminate
And in my temper soften'd valour's steel!”
He says his love for Juliet made him “soft”
and “effeminate” (womanly) and he didn’t
want to fight.
Why are these lines important?
ROMEO:
(hang over them like a cloud)
This day's black fate on more days doth depend;
This but begins the woe, others must end.
(other disasters)
ROMEO:
O, I am fortune's fool!
(fortune = fate)
Evidence of the role of fate! Make note of
these to use in your final response.
Your assignment – Due Friday!
Review the sections you’ve underlined and write
a short paragraph response to the three
prompts on the handout – be certain you are
using evidence from the text to support your
answers!