Diary Project for Romeo and Juliet
This just in! Donatella DiGiacomo, an elderly widow living in Verona, Italy, has discovered a box containing
collected love letters, diary entries, artifacts and souvenirs dating back to the 16th Century. Collectively,
these items tell a very interesting story of love, hate, loyalty, betrayal, and fate. Mrs. DiGiacomo has
graciously allowed us to publish these items in book form for everyone’s perusal and enjoyment.
Specifications: Read the following instructions very carefully.
 There are 10 required diary entries representing the key scenes in the play. They are listed below.
 All diary entries must be organized in chronological order.
 Each diary entry must be written in the 1st person. [Choose a significant character from the scene.]
 Each diary entry must begin with a significant line from the scene spoken by the character. For the remainder of
the entry, the character should reflect on his / her own words and their significance to events in the play. Have the
character explore why he/she says the quotation. Have the character ask thought-provoking questions and then
have them ponder the answers to those questions. What is going on in the character’s mind, heart, and soul? What
are his/her conflicts? Fears? Desires? Hopes? Etc… I DON’T WANT TO SEE PLOT SUMMARIES!
 Each diary entry must be a minimum of two paragraphs long.
 Final entries should be typed, double-spaced. Creative fonts are O.K. on this project only!!!
 Three entries must include (somewhere on the diary entry) a significant illustration. This illustration must add to
or extend the meaning of the diary entry. It can be of an important symbol or a rendering of something being
discussed in the entry. Your illustrations should be thoughtful and relevant. You may draw the illustrations
yourself, or they may be retrieved from the Internet or magazines.
 Three entries must include (affixed to the corresponding entry somehow) a three-dimensional souvenir or artifact
(i.e.: coins, rings, love letters, mask, scrolls, etc.) Souvenirs should fit neatly into the diary. I will reward
creativity! Please choose souvenirs that are relatively flat. Make sure they are affixed securely to the entry.
 Each diary entry should reflect a sophisticated and mature level of understanding of the characters, their conflicts,
thoughts and feelings. The best entries are those in which the character ponders major themes of the work.
Required Diary Entries:
 Act I, scene i (1)
 Act I, scene V (5)
 Act II, scene ii (2)
 Act III, scene I (1)




Act III, scene ii (2)
Act III, scene v (5)
Act IV, scene iii (3)
Act IV, Scene V (5)


Act V, scene i (1)
Act V, scene iii (3)
Requirements for the Cover of the Diary:
 An original and engaging cover design. [Please keep cover as flat as possible.]
 The title “Diary Entries for Romeo and Juliet” clearly visible
 Use words, images, and/or symbols representing the major themes, characters and/or settings of the play
 Your name, period, and date should be neatly printed in ink or typed.
Grading Breakdown
Cover
Souvenirs and Illustrations
Diary Entries
Total
10 points [originality, title, words/pictures/symbols, you name]
10 points [three meaningful illustrations, three souvenirs or artifacts]
80 points [integrity—being true to the character and events; accurate
grammar; usage and mechanics; thoughtfulness and originality!!!]
100 points possible
Finalized diaries will be due upon completion of the play, Romeo and Juliet.