Romeo & Juliet Lesson 14: Act 1 Scene 5 - Extension Task

In Lesson 14, focusing on Act 1 Scene 5 of 'Romeo & Juliet', students delve into the concept of 'love at first sight' as experienced by Romeo. The extension task encourages students to critically analyse the poetic techniques employed by Shakespeare in Romeo's speech upon first seeing Juliet. They are prompted to consider the emotions that Romeo conveys through his words and to explore the rich imagery Shakespeare uses to describe Juliet, particularly noting the recurrent theme of light and dark. Through these inquiries, students gain a deeper understanding of the characters' immediate connection and the thematic significance of contrast within the play.

The task further challenges students to reflect on the symbolism behind Shakespeare's choice to juxtapose lightness and darkness in his portrayal of Juliet and the budding romance. This exploration serves to enhance the students' appreciation of the dramatic and literary devices that Shakespeare uses to create a vivid and memorable scene. Finally, the students are asked to engage their predictive skills, considering the narrative trajectory and speculating on the potential consequences of this pivotal moment in the story, thus connecting their analytical observations with the broader narrative structure of the play.