Romeo & Juliet Lesson 23: The Fight - PowerPoint

In Lesson 23 titled 'The Fight' from the 'Romeo & Juliet' series, students delve into the pivotal conflict in Act 3, Scene 1, with the aim of deepening their understanding of the characters and the dramatic tension that escalates to a tragic turning point. The objectives are twofold: firstly, to develop students' knowledge of the characters involved in the scene; and secondly, to analyse the mechanisms by which tension is crafted and heightened by Shakespeare's writing. This lesson serves as an analytical exploration of the motivations and thoughts that drive the characters during the intense confrontation, setting the stage for the subsequent events in the narrative.

The lesson invites students to consider the internal monologues of key figures—Tybalt, Romeo, Mercutio, and Benvolio—during the fight, prompting them to engage with the text on a deeper level. In a focused activity, learners examine specific quotes from the scene to unpack how Shakespeare uses language to create a sense of impending conflict. Through this analysis, students explore the meaning and effect of phrases that hint at the hot-tempered atmosphere, the obstinacy of the characters, and the subsequent curses and calls for justice that follow the fatal encounter. By scrutinising these quotes, students gain insight into the dramatic techniques used to build tension and propel the story towards its tragic climax.