R & J Blog Post #3 due Thursday 3/24 (7 &10pm)

1. Act II, scene i: The definition of dramatic irony is a difference between what characters on stage believe or perceive and what their audience, observing or reading a scene, recognizes as fact. Pick out a particular example of dramatic irony here. Why and how do the details or quotations that you choose fit this definition?

2. Act II, scene ii:Figurative language, such a metaphors, similes, and analogies, often is used to express emotions or relationships that are difficult, if not impossible, to communicate fully using, denotative language. In scene ii, the famed balcony scene, Romeo and Juliet commonly and clearly demonstrate this usage of figurative language to convey the otherwise inexpressible aspects of love. How and when do they do so? Pick out and analyze at least 2 examples of figurative language in this scene.

Have a great Spring Break!

R & J Blog Post 2 (Due Monday 3/21)

1. Act I, scene iii: Juliet in this scene speaks with two matronly figures: her Nurse and Lady Capulet, who actually is her birth mother. These two older women apparently have very different personalities and relationships with Juliet, not to mention priorities and observable senses of social grace. Compare and contrast these two mother-figures: How are they seemingly the same, and how are they different?

2. Act I, scene iv: In scene iv, we encounter Mercutio, one of the most successful scene-stealers in all of Shakespeare's plays. Despite his apparent vulgarity and hysterical unpredictability- or perhaps because of them-many readers adore this character. Well, as the saying goes, one never gets a second chance to make a first impression. Based upon this first encounter with Mercutio, what is your first impression of the man and his personality? How do you respond to him, either emotionally or intellectually?

3. Act I, scene v: As demonstrated in scene v, not all members of the Capulet household are alike, especially regarding their varied responses to Romeo Montague's uninvited appearance at their feast. Consider all of the members of the Capulet household who actually recognize or interact with Romeo in this scene: What do their distinct responses to or interactions with him imply about their personalities or proprieties?

(Answer each question thoroughly with textual evidence and respond to at least one classmate.)

R & J: Post 1 (Due by 3/17 7pm & 10pm)

1. Act I, scene i: When the play opens, Sampson and Gregory, two servants of the house of Capulet, are walking along the public streets armed with with swords and bucklers; later, the Lords of the Houses of Montague and Capulet enter their servants' melee, although they never actually come to blows. What kind of an atmosphere do these and other such details convey to an attentive audience?

2. What are some other popular rivals that remind you of the Montagues and Capulets?

(Answer each question, and respond to at least one classmate.)

Bellwork 3/10