Name ______English 1A
Due date: Thursday April 12th
Romeo and Juliet Analytical Essay
Writing Task: Choose one of the following topics and write a 2-2.5 page persuasive essay, 5 paragraphs- (1- intro- 3 body paragraphs- 1 conclusion) typed and double spaced with a proper heading. Your essay must include 3 quotations from the play (one per body paragraph). Do not write a reaction paper. Avoid using phrases such as “In my opinion” or “I think”.
Topic A: Throughout Romeo and Juliet, many factors led up to the tragic ending for the star-crossed lovers. Some may argue that the tragedy is due to the Capulet and Montague feud, Friar Laurence’s schemes, fate, or the two lovers and their passion. In a well-written essay, persuade the reader about the leading cause or causes of the tragic downfall of Romeo and Juliet. You may choose more than one factor that led to their untimely death, or stick to one reason throughout your paper. Use support from the text to prove your arguments. You must include a minimum of THREE quotes from the text to prove your points as you demonstrate the leading cause or causes of the tragedy.
Topic B: There are many themes and life lessons to come from Romeo and Juliet. Select 1-3 of the themes below and write an essay that discusses how these themes are explored in the Shakespeare play. Use plentiful examples from the plot of Romeo and Juliet and explain how the themes illuminate the meaning of the play and the lives of the characters. Use support from the play to prove your arguments. You must include a minimum of THREE quotes from the text to prove your points as you analyze the impact of the themes as seen in the play. You may choose to stick to ONE theme, or choose a different theme for each paragraph to explore. Make sure your topic sentence at the start of each paragraph is clear so that your paragraph is unified and focused.
- Light vs. Darkness6. Passion vs. Reason
- The Passage of Time7. Love triumphs over hate
- Fate and Destiny8. Impulsiveness vs. Logic
- Parental Guidance vs. Children’s Strong Wills9. True Love vs. Lust
- Personal Desire vs. What is Morally Right10. Other (ask teacher first)
Topic C: A tragic hero is defined as a character who possesses qualities of goodness, superiority, and morality along with a tragic flaw that leads to his or her own downfall. The tragic hero is the figure that readers feel the most sympathy for ultimately because the character is so relatable and human, flaws and all. In a well-written essay, choose one character and form an argument about the true tragic hero in Romeo and Juliet. You may argue that the tragic hero is Romeo, Paris, Tybalt, Mercutio, or Juliet. You may argue that more than one character fits the criteria for a tragic hero, but make sure to provide plenty of reasons and explanations behind your reasoning. You must include a minimum of THREE quotes from the text to prove your points as you demonstrate the leading cause or causes of the tragedy.
Helpful Reminders:
●Avoid writing this essay as a personal reaction. Use persuasive language without using phrases such as “In my opinion”, “I believe”, or “I think”.
●In order to strengthen your arguments, use specific examples from the play to prove your points. Imagine you are defending your argument to an audience. Use powerful language and arguments to make your points more clear and effective.
●Organize your body paragraphs by starting with a strong topic sentence and ending with a powerful argument to leave the reader with a lasting impression.
●Remember to organize your ideas within your body paragraphs for unity within your paper. Choose each main idea- 1 per body paragraph- before you start writing.
●Use relevant quotes from the play in your body paragraphs and don’t forget proper in-text citations. Ex: “Quote” (2.3.10-12). → this means (Act. Scene. Lines)
●STRUCTURE: Include FIVE paragraphs: 1 introduction paragraph, 3 body paragraphs, 1 conclusion paragraph
●TRANSITIONS: Each paragraph must use transitions in the beginning and in the middle to guide me from one point to the next in your paper.
●TOPIC SENTENCE: Each paragraph must start with a TOPIC SENTENCE that states the THEME of your paragraph or the MAIN IDEA. Do not start a paragraph with an example from the book or a quotation.
●Introduction Paragraph: Follow the following format:
- (1-2 sentences) General attention-getter or statement about the concept of losing one’s youth, feeling lost in life after a hardship or tragedy, etc.
- (2 sentences) Then mention the author’s name, Title of the Novel, and brief information about the plot in several sentences
- (2 sentences) Next, start to address the writing prompt and put it into your own words using Paul’s character and the plot of the book to form your essential main argument/main idea.
- (1-2 sentences) Thesis statement: State your main point and prove how/why it is true.
Practice Writing: Begin writing your intro below. Underline your thesis statement:
Organizing your essay: Have a distinctly different main idea with supporting examples for each body paragraph.
Par. 1: Main idea-
Par. 2: Main idea-
Par. 3: Main idea-