Possible Prompts for Romeo and Juliet Literary Analysis

Directions: Choose one of the following essay prompts. In a five-paragraph literary analysis essay, respond to the prompt using direct textual evidence from the play.

1. Juliet changes over the course of the play. Discuss some of the ways she changes, reasons for those changes, and how those changes affect the remainder of the play’s events.

2. What is the tragic flaw that leads to Romeo’s death? Explain how his tragic flaw is evident throughout the play.

3. Choose a character from the play and explain how that character and his/her personality, motives, and actions impact the characters of Romeo & Juliet and the overall outcome of the tragedy.

Romeo & Juliet Literary Analysis Essay Rubric

Each category will be graded on a 5-point scale:

5=Excellent 4=Good 3=Fair 2=Poor 1=Inadequate 0=No attempt made

1. _____ Paper begins with a formal literary attention getting opener (WP.C6)

2. _____ Introduction contains an effective transition into the thesis (WP.C6)

3. _____ Paper contains a thesis statement that addresses the prompt, is insightful, and follows all formal writing rules (WP.A3)

4. _____ Each body paragraph contains a topic sentence that introduces the evidence used in that paragraph. (WP.C8)

5. _____ Body paragraphs provide textual evidence in context which is cited correctly (Act.scene.line). (WA.B2)

6. _____ Evidence aligns to what the thesis is trying to prove and what the topic sentence focuses on. (WA.B2)

7. _____ Character traits and personality are identified and proven through textual evidence and corresponding explanations. (RAL.A1)

8. _____ Each body paragraph concludes with a sentence tying the body paragraph back to the thesis. (WP.C8)

9. _____ The conclusion refers back to the thesis idea of the paper and includes a concluding thought. (WP.C6)

10. _____ Transitions are used to connect the main ideas of the paper. (WP.C13)

11. _____The paper follows all formal writing rules and is written in the literary present tense. (WP.A4)

12. _____ The paper contains correct usage of spelling, grammar, and varied sentence structure. (WP.C9)

13. _____ The paper contains high level vocabulary including literary terms that are appropriate for the paper. (WP.C9)

14. _____ The paper follows the assignment requirements: heading, typed, double spaced, Times New Roman 12 pt. font (WP.E16)