Romeo & Juliet Lesson 28: 'A kind of hope' - PowerPoint

The lesson titled 'A kind of hope' delves into the intricacies of plot development in William Shakespeare's timeless tragedy, "Romeo and Juliet". The objective is to deepen students' understanding of the narrative through an examination of Friar Lawrence's intricate plan. The lesson invites students to explore Juliet's desperation as she contemplates extreme actions she would prefer over marrying Paris, such as leaping from a tower or hiding among the dead. These dramatic choices underscore her utter aversion to the arranged marriage and set the stage for the Friar's risky scheme.

Students are then challenged to sequence the steps of Friar Lawrence's plan, which involves Juliet feigning acceptance of the marriage proposal, consuming a potion to appear dead, and awaiting Romeo in the Capulet's tomb to be revived and escape together to Mantua. The activity encourages students to critically assess the plan and consider its potential flaws. Further analysis is prompted through a series of questions examining the Friar's motives, Juliet's character development, instances of dramatic irony, and the reactions of other characters to Juliet's 'death'. The lesson culminates in a reflection on the Friar's thoughts, knowing he is the sole keeper of the secret that Juliet is still alive.