The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet Essay
Name__________________
The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet is not just the tragedy of two young people, but of an entire town.
Many characters contribute to the downfall of Romeo and Juliet. In a well-developed five paragraph
essay discuss the following: William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, it not just a
tragedy of two young people, but of an entire town as Romeo and Juliet, as well as, many other
characters contribute to their downfall and the plays tragic ending.
Part I. Prewriting Activity—Discuss how each character contributes to the downfall of Romeo and
Juliet.
Define tragedy: __________________________________________________________
Romeo and Juliet_________________________________________________________
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Friar Laurence___________________________________________________________
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Balthasar_______________________________________________________________
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Nurse_________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Mercutio_______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Tybalt_________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Lord and Lady Capulet_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
The Apothecary__________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
The Prince _____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Lord and Lady Montague____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Paris__________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Part II. Prewriting/Outlining. Using the following Spool Paper format, begin outlining
your essay.
Introductory Paragraph: This starts with lead (question, interesting fact, quote, anecdote) to gain the
reader’s attention. This paragraph contains the thesis statement, which is the controlling idea and
contains the topics for each paragraph in the body.
Thesis statement: Select at least two other characters to discuss in your essay besides Romeo and
Juliet and then write a thesis statement.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Body: Each paragraph should develop one of the key points of the thesis statement. Each paragraph
should contain a well-developed topic sentence and three – seven supporting sentences. The
supporting sentences may contain facts, reasons, examples, etc… These paragraphs should also contain
transitions that move the reader smoothly between each paragraph.
Body Paragraph One: (Discuss how Romeo and Juliet contribute to their own downfall.)
Topic sentence ______________________________________________________
1. __________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________________
Body Paragraph Two: (Discuss how another character, or two, contribute to Romeo and Juliet’s downfall.)
Topic sentence ______________________________________________________
1. __________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________________
Body Paragraph Three: (Discuss how another character, or two, contribute to Romeo and Juliet’s
downfall.)
Topic sentence _______________________________________________________
1. ___________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
Concluding Paragraph: This paragraph should tie all of the important points in the essay together and
draw a final conclusion for the reader. This paragraph may restate the thesis statement, summarize
the key points, offer a final thought and gives the feeling of business completed.