1. Romeo and Juliet Key scene 1 Date:
Objectives
Understand what a key scene is and why we study them.
Be able to describe a scene and what it means for the characters of the play.
Be able to write longer, better answers on Drama questions.
Warm–up – I see, I think, I wonder. Write three sentences about these pictures.

2. What is a key scene and why do we study them?
Imagine you are asked by a friend to describe a movie. As a response, you might tell them what happened. You do not describe every moment however. You talk about the important and interesting ones.
A key moment helps us talk about:
The characters – explain who they are by what they do.
The themes – explain the story through examples.
Over the next few days, you will examine moments that will help you answer essay questions on Romeo and Juliet.
There are many questions: Explain the beginning, climax or end of the play, explain the characters, explain the themes, etc.

3. Studying these scenes should prepare you for any questions on ‘Moments’.
3. Climax Act 3, Scene 1,
Be able to describe the results of the characters choices. Be able to talk about Tybalt's character and the theme of ‘Hate’.
2. Rising Action Act 2, Scene 2,
Be able to introduce the main problem of the play. Be able to describe ‘The Balcony Scene’, Romeo and Juliet’s characters and the theme of ‘Love’.
Falling Action
Love and Hate throughout the play.
5. Conclusion Act 5, Scene 3
Be able to talk about the end of the play, the characters of Romeo and Juliet and the themes of ‘Love’ and ‘Hate’
1. Exposition Act 1, Scene 1
Be able to introduce the play. Be able to talk about Romeo’s character and the themes of ‘Hate’ and ‘Love’

4. One final note before we begin
A scene might be part of your answer; a single point of evidence to answer the question. Three key moments make three paragraphs with an introduction and conclusion.
The scene might also be your full answer if they ask you to describe the one scene of the play (the beginning, end, climax, most interesting scene, etc.). You need three points or paragraphs from one scene in that case.
The following slides will ask questions to help you structure these essays.

5. Act 1, Scene 1 Theme: hate
When we say that the Montague and Capulet families are feuding, this means that each family treats the other as an enemy. They grow up learning to hate the other group because they are told to. The prologue tells us that this grudge started so long ago that nobody can remember how it began but both families continue to fight.
Answer the following questions (P.Q.E.) to show ‘Hate’ in scene one.
How and why does the street brawl begin?
In what ways do Benvolio and Tybalt get involved?
How does Lord Capulet and Montague get involved?
How does the Prince end the brawl?

6. Quotes to help – Investigate who said these quotes
“I will bite my thumb at them: which is
disgrace to them if they bear it”
“What, drawn, and talk of peace? I hate the word
As I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee.”
“Thou villain Capulet! – Hold me not. Let me go.”
“If ever you disturb our streets again,
Your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace”

7. Act 1, Scene 1 Theme: Love
In contrast to the violence and hatred of the brawl, scene one then introduces Romeo. While it is believed Romeo does not actually love Rosaline, there is clear parental love from the Montagues and Romeo’s position on love is well established.
Answer the following questions (P.Q.E.) to show ‘Love’ in scene one.
Who is worried about Romeo and what do they do?
How has love made Romeo sad?
How does Romeo describe love?
What advise does Benvolio give to Romeo and does this tell us anything about his view of love?

8. Quotes to help – Investigate who said these quotes
“Could we but learn from whence his sorrows grow,
We would as willingly give cure as I know”
“She hath forsworn to love: and in that vow
Do I live dead that live to tell it now.”
“A madness most discreet,
A choking gall and a preserving sweet.”
“By giving liberty unto thine eyes.
Examine other beauties”

9. Homework Read the following and any notes about:
Act 2, scene 2, The Balcony Scene.
Act 3, scene 1, Mercutio and Tybalt’s death.