Romeo & Juliet Lesson 7: Love and Hate - A Violent Beginning Worksheet

In "Romeo & Juliet Lesson 7: Love and Hate - A Violent Beginning Worksheet," students delve into the opening scene of Shakespeare's famous tragedy, which sets the stage for the recurring themes of hatred and violence. The worksheet guides students through Act 1, Scene 1, up to line 64, prompting them to read and analyze the text to answer a series of questions. Students are asked to consider the location of the scene, the significance of props brought on stage by characters Sampson and Gregory, and what these details suggest about the setting of Verona. The worksheet encourages students to identify the characters involved in the initial conflict, their roles within the play, and the catalyst that sparks the fight.

The worksheet also asks students to explore the motivations behind Tybalt's eagerness to fight with Benvolio, including finding a quote that exemplifies Tybalt's violent disposition. Further inquiry involves the actions and words of Lord Capulet and Lord Montague, prompting students to reflect on whether the behaviour of these patriarchs is surprising. Students must also describe how the fight concludes and the warning issued to the feuding family heads. This worksheet is designed to enhance students' understanding of the complex dynamics of love and hate in "Romeo and Juliet," as well as to develop their analytical skills through close reading and textual evidence gathering.