Romeo & Juliet Final Essay Guidelines
English 2
Spring 2014
After reading the entire play of Romeo & Juliet, answer the following prompt in a clear, well-developed response that
demonstrates your understanding of the play, its characters and themes. Be sure to incorporate quotes from the play to
support your argument.
Who is to blame for the deaths of Romeo & Juliet? Identify THREE characters from the play that contributed to their
deaths and explain why.
You will be graded on the following elements:
____ Constructs a clear thesis statement that identifies three characters that contributed to Romeo & Juliet’s deaths
____ Has three well-developed paragraphs that identify WHO contributed to their deaths and HOW
____ Body paragraphs contain at least 2 quotes from the play
____ Quotes are explained and connected to Romeo & Juliet’s deaths
____ Presents a solid conclusion that restates the thesis statement and summarizes the three characters and his/her
contribution to the deaths of Romeo and Juliet
____ Follows standard conventions of English
Essay Outline:
Introduction: Basic background about the play. Explain how Romeo and Juliet died and the events leading up to their deaths.
Thesis: Topic, Purpose, Character, Character, Character
T: First character that is responsible
1.
(Why he/she is responsible)
2.
Quote that demonstrates this character’s impact on their deaths
3. How does this quote give us a reason to blame this character for their deaths?
1.
2.
3.
T: Second character that is responsible
1.
(Why he/she is responsible)
2.
Quote that demonstrates this character’s impact on their deaths
3. How does this quote give us a reason to blame this character for their deaths?
1.
2.
3.
T: Third character that is responsible
1.
(Why he/she is responsible)
2.
Quote that demonstrates this character’s impact on their deaths
3. How does this quote give us a reason to blame this character for their deaths?
1.
2.
3.
Conclusion: Restated thesis statement, Summary about the play and Romeo & Juliet’s deaths.