Year 11 - English
'Romeo and Juliet': violence, masculinity and society in Act 1, Scene 1
Romeo and Juliet: the integral role of violence and honour to masculinity
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils look at the interplay between violence, honour, and masculinity in 'Romeo and Juliet'. They look at key scenes, and what they reveal about key male characters, before finally looking at how to use context and quotations effectively in an analytical essay.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain how Shakespeare links the concepts of violence and masculinity in Act 1, Scene 1 of 'Romeo and Juliet'.
Key Notes
- By opening with men bearing swords, Shakespeare implies that we should connect men and violence.
- Violence is presented as part of masculinity.
- The links between violence and sex could suggest that men were supposed to be sexually dominant.
- The Prince implies that the Montagues and Capulets are corrupting themselves and society through violence.
- However, the Prince's threats could be acknowledging that violence is necessary to keep society together.
Vocabulary To Learn
- masculinity: qualities or attributes regarded as characteristic of men or boys
- authority: power to influence or command thought, opinion, or behaviour
- dominant: to be in control; to be powerful
- animalistic: characteristic of animals, particularly in being physical and instinctive
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Benvolio is a peaceful character in 'Romeo and Juliet'.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
By opening with men bearing swords, Shakespeare implies that we should connect men and violence. Violence is presented as part of masculinity.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'masculinity'
qualities or attributes regarded as characteristic of men or boys.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: Benvolio is a peaceful character in 'Romeo and Juliet'. Correction: While Benvolio calls for peace, he engages in violence when he thinks it is necessary.
More Lessons In This Unit
- 'Romeo and Juliet': contextualising violence and honour in Elizabethan society Study Guide
- 'Romeo and Juliet': honour, violence and masculinity in Act 5, Scene 3 Study Guide
- 'Romeo and Juliet': selecting effective quotations and using context effectively Study Guide
- 'Romeo and Juliet': violence, honour and social hierarchy in Act 1, Scene 5 Study Guide
- Analysing ideas of violence and honour in Act 3, Scene 1 of 'Romeo and Juliet' Study Guide
- Lord Capulet's honour and violence in Act 3, Scene 5 of 'Romeo and Juliet' Study Guide
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