Romeo & Juliet Lesson 9: The Prince's Speech - Anger, Violence & Hatred Worksheet

In this worksheet, students are tasked with exploring the themes of anger, violence, and hatred as depicted in the Prince's speech from Shakespeare's "Romeo & Juliet". Working in pairs, they are instructed to identify and highlight specific words or phrases that exemplify the Prince's frustration and the deep-seated animosity between the feuding families of Montague and Capulet. The exercise not only delves into the Prince's stern admonition but also into the consequences of the families' ongoing conflict which has repeatedly disrupted the tranquility of Verona's streets and compelled its elderly citizens to forsake their dignified roles in favour of becoming combatants in this senseless feud.

The Prince's speech is a powerful condemnation of the brawls that have occurred thrice due to trivial provocations, implicating both family patriarchs in the disruption of public order. His words paint a vivid picture of the chaos and bloodshed that have ensued, likening the participants to 'beasts' driven by 'pernicious rage'. The Prince's ultimatum is clear: any further disturbance will result in severe penalties, up to the cost of their lives, as he seeks to uphold peace. This activity from the worksheet encourages students to engage with the text, enhancing their understanding of Shakespeare's language and the dramatic impact of the Prince's oration on the narrative of the play.