Romeo and Juliet
Shakespeare short 'n' simple Series
What’s inside...
Romeo Montague falls in love with Juliet, the daughter of his family's enemy, the Capulets. Their secret passion is threatened when Romeo kills Juliet's cousin in a duel. Friar Laurence attempts to reconcile the two families and save the couple's love, but his plans may lead to more tragedy. The book is part of the Real Reads series, which retells classic literature in accessible texts for young readers and language students, and includes performance-based resources for studying Shakespeare's plays. A series of three A Midsummer Night's Dream, Julius Caesar and Romeo and Juliet are included in the resources, which are designed to make Shakespeare's plays more accessible and engaging through performance-based activities. The resources include annotated texts, key scene summaries, and ideas for relating to characters, understanding Shakespeare's language, and exploring the messages of the plays.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
13-18
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Romeo and Juliet care for each other so deeply despite their families’ differences?
How do the actions of Romeo and Juliet’s families impact their decisions throughout the story?
What could the characters have done differently to resolve their conflicts?
How do you feel about the way the story ended? Is there another way it could have ended?
What lessons can we learn about love, friendship, and forgiveness from Romeo and Juliet?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, give a brief summary of the plot to set the context.
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in Romeo or Juliet's situation.
Pause at intense moments to discuss your child's feelings and predictions for the story.
Use modern real-life scenarios to draw parallels with the themes in the book, enhancing understanding and relevance.
After reading, encourage your child to imagine alternative endings to the story, stimulating their creative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of communication
Explanation: In 'Romeo and Juliet', the tragic outcome is largely due to the lack of communication between the characters, especially the two young lovers. Miscommunication and secrets lead to their ultimate demise.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of open and honest communication with others, especially in resolving conflicts and understanding different perspectives.
Example Lesson: Consequences of impulsive actions
Explanation: The impulsiveness of Romeo and Juliet, such as their sudden decision to marry after just meeting, leads to various complications in the story.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to think carefully before making decisions and to consider the possible consequences of their actions.
Example Lesson: Understanding and managing emotions
Explanation: Throughout the play, the characters experience intense emotions, which often cloud their judgment and lead to rash decisions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to identify their emotions and the importance of managing them effectively to avoid making decisions they might later regret.
Example Lesson: The impact of conflict between groups
Explanation: The feud between the Montagues and Capulets shapes the entire narrative, showing how inherited disputes can affect younger generations.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the consequences of longstanding conflicts and encourage them to seek peace and understanding in their own interactions.
Example Lesson: Tragic results of prejudice
Explanation: The prejudice between the families prevents Romeo and Juliet from being together openly, contributing to the tragic end.
Real-World Application: Children can learn about the dangers of prejudice and the importance of evaluating people based on their character rather than their background.