Academic Vocabulary: Romeo and Juliet English I Academic Vocabulary: Romeo and Juliet

Author’s Purpose What was the purpose the author wrote each of these books? A writer usually writes for one or more purposes: to express himself or herself, to inform or explain, to persuade, and to entertain. Example: Guy De Maupassant’s purpose for writing the “The Necklace” was to entertain.

Dialogue Written conversations between two or more characters. Writers use dialogue to bring characters to life and give readers insight on the characters’ qualities, personality traits, and reactions to other characters. Example “Do you like watching American Idol?” asked Andrew. “Of course,” replied Jermaine. **Notice when a new speaker Begins, a new line begins

Monologue A long important speech by one person directed toward others. A part of a play in which a single character speaks alone or without expecting a response from others.

Soliloquy A long important speech in which a character speaks inner thoughts aloud Generally, character is on stage alone, not speaking to other characters or isn’t aware of other characters

Tragedy A dramatic work that presents the downfall of a dignified character or characters who are involved in historically or socially significant events Kind of play in which events turn out disastrously for the main character or characters Most often, the hero or heroine dies Events are set in motion by a decision that is often an error in judgment Succeeding events are linked in a cause-and-effect relationship and lead inevitably to a disastrous conclusion, usually death Romeo & Juliet

Tragic Hero Main Character of a tragedy. Usually dies at the end of the play. Always dies in a Shakespearean play May have more than one in a story Has a tragic flaw

Tragic Flaw Character flaw that leads to the character’s death or total destruction Examples: greed, pride, ambition, rashness, etc. Other than this flaw the character is rather successful

Aside Dramatic device in which a character speaks his or her thoughts aloud, in words meant to be heard by the audience or certain character but not by the other characters The word ‘Aside’ will be written in the stage directions of a play but can be indicated in a play by various techniques like lighting, perceived whispers, etc.

Dramatic Irony When the audience knows something the character(s) doesn’t. (In a play this can be created with an aside so it is important to read the stage directions)

Pun A play on words. A word that has more than one meaning is used in a way that takes advantage of multiple meanings

Malapropism When a person uses the wrong word in a situation or a made up word instead of a real word that was what was intended. This is usually done accidentally It shows a character is less intelligent Shakespeare uses these for comedic affect. Often the servants speak with malapropisms.

Comic Relief Comedy used to lighten the mood of a play often in the middle of intense scenes Shakespeare used puns, malapropisms, and the servants or lower class as comic relief

Foil Two characters who are the opposite of each other in personality but can be compared because of similarities in age, gender, and social status Used for emphasis on their differences Example: Max and Michael Holtzapfel From The Book Thief

Confidante A person you tell your secrets to Important in stories because it can help show the character’s inner thoughts