Romeo and Juliet Web Treasure Hunt-1

Throughout our unit on R&J you will be searching and seeking meaning in the words and dialogue; we will be discussing and dissecting, learning about Shakespeare and the story of the two families and of course the "star-crossed lovers." This will be another way to reinforce what we discuss in class, and use the resources available around the world without leaving your keyboard.  Use Google.com as your search engine, and find the following:

1. Find information about Shakespeare's "home" theater--the Globe Theater. The best information I have found is on a site called "enotes." Do your search using those key terms. 

2. Answer the following questions for homework and put them in your Wiki/homework folder.

a. What were the basic measurements of the Globe Theater stage?

b. Who was Shakespeare's best friend, also an  a busy actor and playright.

c. What year did The Globe theater open?

d. What finally happened to the Globe Theater-what was its final demise?

Lesson 1-Romeo & Juliet Focus Questions

Lesson 1-Focus questions

Focus Questions for Shakespeare, (the text) history, background and his life:

When and where was William Shakespeare born?

What were his parents occupations and stature in the town, and why was this important?

Who did Shakespeare marry? Is she older or younger than he?

How was he received as an actor and playwright in his early years?

 What is the significance of Shakespeare willing his “2^nd best bed” to his wife?

Focus Questions for The Prologue (using the handout of The Prologue):

There are different types of dramas and plays, such as comedy, melodrama, farce, etc. Of which type is Romeo and Juliet?

How many households are in the opening of the Prologue?

What are the household’s names?

 Where does the play take place?

 What does the phrase “alike in dignity” mean?

Look for the word and the reference to “two” – not only the word, 

but all of its forms. How many can you find? Circle them.

What are the main themes you find in The Prologue to Romeo and Juliet? List them.

 What is the definition of a Sonnet? How do you know The Prologue is a sonnet?

First Assignment-Homework Day 1

Good evening students! This is your first assignment, after you have created your "Google gadget" or blog, so you can begin blogging and storing your work online along with your classmates on Romeo and Juliet. This will be a great way to learn about and discuss Shakespeare; we can all share links to favorite websites; post movie clips from favorite film scenes, http://homemovies10.tripod.com/bk/rj1longtodie.wmv, and brainstorm for our end-of-term project. Remember the simple rules:

1. Keep it respectful; no obscene posts, language, put-downs. Don't turn me into the 'Net police, please.

2. Use this site every night; it's for YOU. Share your thoughts and ideas about R&J. Put your homework in your blog folder. Use your online journal. Find stuff you like and share it with the class here, and also in-class. This is a TOOL to USE. Don't hide here! Just use it like any other tool in your English tool box.

3. Keep it fun and light. Don't get overwhelmed--if you do, come see me. I'll quickly remind you that Shakespeare is supposed to be FUN, even though everyone kills each other or dies in the end.

Onward!

Tonight's homework:

1. Start your journal and read "Shakespeare: An Overview" with your focus questions in front of you. We will review in class tomorrow. Make notes to answer the focus questions.

2. Vocabulary: Sonnet, iambic pentameter, dramatic tragedy