EXTENDED WRITING OPPORTUNITIES
Tasks that encourage own writing
1. Many of the characters in the play have names that suggest the type of
person they turn out to be.
Research the names of characters from the play. How many can you
track down?
TASKS ABOUT THE PLAY
1. How well-matched do you believe Romeo and Juliet to be? [Think
about their social positions, maturity, personalities.]
2. Is the play about love or hate? Write about both themes in the play.
3. The Prologue describes Romeo and Juliet as 'star-cross'd lovers'. What
does that mean and how does this description help us to understand
the play?
4. Juliet seems to have two mothers, the Nurse and Lady Capulet. Write
descriptions of the Nurse and Lady Capulet, giving examples to show
what you mean.
5. Mercutio is a friend of Romeo's and Tybalt is Juliet's cousin. Write
descriptions of Mercutio and Tybalt, giving examples to show what you
mean.
6. Choose one of the quarrels in the play. How does the language used
add to the impact of what is happening on stage?
7. As the play progresses, the atmosphere gets more and more tense.
Choose one scene from the play where you think the atmosphere is
very tense and explain how this is created.
8. Do you feel sorry for any of the older people in the play? Write about
three people from:
Prince Escalus, Juliet's parents, Romeo's parents, Friar Lawrence and
the Nurse.
9. Imagine you are the producer of the play. You are about to rehearse
the scene where Romeo appears in Juliet's garden, sometimes called
the balcony scene [Act 2 scene 2]. The actors playing the two lovers
have asked for your advice about how to tackle this famous moment.
What advice would you give them?


Tell them about each character's personality
Talk about the way each character uses language
© Copyright Actis Ltd 2002
Page 1


Remind them of the dangers each of them faces
Point out how tension is developed in the scene
© Copyright Actis Ltd 2002
Page 2