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Year 11 - English

'Romeo and Juliet': exploring individualism and the status quo

Romeo and Juliet: the tragedy of societal expectations

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils explore the tragedy of societal expectations in 'Romeo and Juliet'. They look at the problem through a range of different prisms, including the tension between individualism and the status quo. They plan and write an essay on Shakespeare's presentation of societal expectations.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explore how Shakespeare represents ideas of individualism and the status quo in 'Romeo and Juliet'.

Key Notes

  • Romeo and Juliet's secret marriage creates a conflict between individual desire and traditional authority.
  • We also arguably see the rule of law and religion being challenged by individual desire.
  • Potentially, the feud serves to preserve the status quo that is threatened by individualism.
  • Shakespeare's depiction of individualism may represent Elizabethan anxiety about the social cost of individualism.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • individualism: a social theory favouring freedom of action for individuals over collective or state control
  • autonomy: the ability to make your own decisions about what to do
  • status quo: the existing state of affairs, especially regarding social or political issue

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Individuality is always celebrated in literature.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

Romeo and Juliet's secret marriage creates a conflict between individual desire and traditional authority. We also arguably see the rule of law and religion being challenged by individual desire.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'individualism'

a social theory favouring freedom of action for individuals over collective or state control.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Individuality is always celebrated in literature. Correction: Arguably, Shakespeare could be seen as demonstrating the consequences of individuality through 'Romeo and Juliet'.

More Lessons In This Unit

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