Romeo & Juliet Lesson 11: Introducing Juliet - The Role of Women Research Task

In Lesson 11 of a study on Romeo & Juliet, students are tasked with exploring the societal expectations and roles of women during Elizabethan England. This research assignment encourages students to delve into historical perspectives, understanding the cultural norms that shaped the lives of women and girls of that period. They are prompted to investigate a variety of topics, starting with the teachings imparted to women from birth and the upbringing of girls within Elizabethan society. The inquiry extends to the broader societal expectations of a woman's role in life, particularly after marriage.

The assignment further explores the intricacies of matrimonial practices among the upper classes, including how husbands were chosen for daughters and the nature of arranged marriages, questioning the motives behind such arrangements. Students are also asked to consider the significance of love in the context of marriage during that era. Additionally, they are to find out the average age at which girls typically entered into marriage in Elizabethan times. This research task is designed to give students a deeper understanding of the historical context surrounding the characters in Shakespeare's play, particularly Juliet, and the constraints imposed upon her as a young woman in her society.