Macmillan Communicative Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet (Macmillan Communicative Shakespeare)
Macmillan Communicative Shakespeare Series
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What’s inside...
The 'Macmillan Communicative Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet' edition presents William Shakespeare's classic play in a format designed to be accessible and engaging for modern readers and students. This tragic love story follows the intense and ill-fated romance between Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet, young lovers from two feuding families in Verona. Despite the deep enmity between their families, Romeo and Juliet's passion for each other grows, leading them to secretly marry. However, a series of misunderstandings, ill-timed events, and impulsive decisions ultimately result in the tragic deaths of the young couple. This communicative edition likely includes contemporary explanations, educational activities, and discussion points to facilitate understanding of the play's language, themes, and historical context, making it suitable for educational settings and readers seeking a deeper comprehension of Shakespeare's work.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-1
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Romeo and Juliet felt when they first met? Why do you think they felt that way?
What are some consequences of the feud between the Montagues and the Capulets?
Why do you think Romeo and Juliet kept their relationship a secret?
Do you think the story could have ended differently? How so?
What lessons can we learn about communication and understanding from the characters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before discussing, briefly summarize the plot to refresh details and ensure your child understands the basic storyline.
Encourage your child to express their opinions and feelings about the characters and their decisions, ensuring a non-judgmental and open environment.
Relate the themes of the story, like love and conflict, to real-life situations your child might encounter to help them connect with the material.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or different choices the characters could have made and discuss the potential outcomes.
Highlight the importance of empathy and understanding by considering the perspectives of both Romeo and Juliet, and their families.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The consequences of impulsive actions
Explanation: Romeo and Juliet's quick decisions to fall in love and subsequently marry sets a series of tragic events in motion.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of thinking through decisions and considering the potential outcomes before acting.
Example Lesson: The destructive nature of feuds
Explanation: The longstanding feud between the Montague and Capulet families leads to misunderstandings and violence, affecting everyone around them.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of resolving conflicts and fostering understanding among differing groups to prevent unnecessary disputes.
Example Lesson: The importance of communication
Explanation: Many of the tragedies in the play could have been prevented with better communication; for example, if Romeo had known Juliet's plan, he wouldn't have poisoned himself.
Real-World Application: This underscores for children how vital clear and open communication is in preventing misunderstandings and making informed decisions.
Example Lesson: The repercussions of defying authority
Explanation: The young lovers’ defiance of their families’ wishes ultimately leads to their untimely deaths.
Real-World Application: It serves as a cautionary tale on the consequences of going against established rules or authority without considering the possible results.