Romeo & Juliet Lesson 31: The Deaths of Romeo and Juliet - Worksheet

In Lesson 31 of a Romeo & Juliet study series, students delve into the tragic culmination of Shakespeare's famed play, focusing on the deaths of the two star-crossed lovers. The worksheet, a tool for comprehending Act Five, prompts learners to explore the narrative's pivotal moments through a series of thought-provoking questions. Students begin by analyzing Romeo's emotional state at the outset of Act Five and the impact of Balthasar's news on his mood. They are then asked to consider the reasons behind Romeo's ignorance of Friar Lawrence's plan, which was intended to reunite him with Juliet.

The worksheet encourages critical thinking by asking students to evaluate Friar Lawrence's actions and whether they could be deemed cowardly in the context of Act 5, Scene 3. Additionally, learners must identify another character's demise reported within the same scene. To deepen their understanding, students are tasked with reading Friar Lawrence's speech and then converting it into a 'police statement', outlining his role in the tragic events. They also engage creatively by composing a letter that Romeo might have written to his father after learning of Juliet's 'death', as referenced in the Prince's summary. Finally, the worksheet concludes by prompting students to reflect on the actions of Capulet and Montague in the play's final scene, exploring how the tragedy impacts the feuding families.