Frosh English -Final Exam Essay
The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet
Select one of the options below to write your final paper of the semester. This essay will count as one half of
your final exam grade.
I.
Character analysis: Select one of the characters from the play and write a character analysis. In
writing your analysis you should consider things such as:
 Is the character static or dynamic? If the character is static, why does he/she not change over the
course of the play? If the character is dynamic, why & how does he/she change? Consider which
events, characters, etc. contribute to the character’s change.
 How would you classify this character? (Protagonist, antagonist, foil, etc.)
 How is the character disclosed?
 What motivates the character?
 Does the character possess any faults or weaknesses?
 What conflict(s) is the character involved in?
II.
Literary devices: Select any three literary devices used in Romeo and Juliet and discuss their use
within the play:
 How are the literary devices used?
 What purpose do the literary devices serve?
 Do the devices reinforce theme, character development, conflict, plot, etc?
 Are there any specific associations for the devices chosen? Why? (For example, prose tends to be
used for the dialogue of servants.)
III.
Relationship analysis: Select a pair of characters (Romeo & Tybalt, for example) and analyze
their relationship:
 What is the relationship between these characters? How would you classify these characters?
 Which literary devices are used to reinforce/demonstrate this relationship?
 What purpose does this relationship serve in the play? Does it support one of the plays themes?
 Could/should this relationship be compared/contrasted to another relationship in the play?
Instructions:
Regardless of which prompt you have chosen the guidelines below must be followed.
 Minimum of five paragraphs (these must be well-developed, 5-7 sentences)
 12 font, Times New Roman, double spaced, standard margins
 Title page: creative title, your name, English 310 & period, my name, date. (There will not
be a heading on the first page of your paper)
 Include specific examples (quotations) from the play to support your points. These must
be in proper MLA format. See pg. 18 of the MLA Documentation Guide for help.
You may want to review the online Essay Rules prior to writing your paper.
All essays are due by 12 pm (noon) on Monday, May 23rd ; however, if you are not going to be
on campus for Reading Day, you must use the drop box, email, or another means of delivery.
NO LATE PAPERS WILL BE ACCEPTED!