Romeo and Juliet - essay guidance

Remember that its title is:

Write a letter to the director of Romeo and Juliet asking to play the part of Romeo, Mercutio or Tybalt in Act 3 Scene 1.

And also remember how you get your grades:

· u/G: writes something which talks about the play (e.g. tells the story).

· F/E: explains and justifies

· D/C: understanding and insight

You will write your essay in three sections:

FIRST SECTION – why I want to play Romeo/Mercutio/Tybalt

This is the section where you can really nail the ‘explain/justify’ requirements of the markscheme.

Explain and justify to your imaginary director exactly WHY you want to play your hero.

This section will begin simply: ‘Dear Director. I want to play Romeo/Mercutio/Tybalt because…’

and you will then explain a number of reasons why you want to play that character.

Things you might talk about include:

1. things about his personality you are attracted by/admire/fear/are fascinated by

2. the importance of his role in the play and the scene

3. at least two great lines/quotes he says which you love*

To get the higher marks, you will need to cite facts/quotes which illustrate/prove the things you are saying.

It is also good if you can relate why you like that characteristic/line/etc. to something personal which causes you to respond personally to him.

* remember that you can help to move your essay on to one of the higher grades here by not only relating your favourite lines to your own likes/dislikes, but by explaining how it illustrates Shakespeare’s style/method of writing – e.g. explaining how the quote illustrates imagery/enjambement etc.

SECOND SECTION – why I want to play in Act 3 Scene 1

This is the section where you can demonstrate the ‘understanding/insight’ requirements of the markscheme by showing that you understand the scene and its importance

This section will begin: ‘Also, Mr Director, I want to play in Act 3 Scene 1 because it is so important for the play.’ and you will then explain a number of reasons why that Scene is important.

Things you might mention are:

1. Act 3 Scene 1 is a turning point in the play.

2. Act 3 Scene 1 contains all the themes of the play.

Treat this section as an opportunity to show that you really understand the play and what Shakespeare was trying to do when he wrote it.

Here you will need to make statements about the play, but also to illustrate/prove them by citing facts/quotes from the play in general, and from Act 3 Scene 1 in particular.

THIRD SECTION – how I will play Romeo/Mercutio/Tybalt in Act 3 Scene 1

This section will allow you to prove the ‘understanding/insight’ requirements of the markscheme.

The section will begin: ‘Finally Mr Director, I would play the part brilliantly.’

Remember that there are three ways to play Shakespeare: Authentic/ Period Piece/ Modern Interpretation

Other things you might mention are:

· What the scenery/ costumes would look like

· Voice and body language – how you would stand/ walk/ say certain lines

· Action and Movement – entrances/ exits/ timing

Treat this section as your opportunity to show that you have some great ideas about how to interpret the character/scene.

Here you will need not only to make statements about how you would do certain things, but you MUST also explain WHY you would do it that way – particularly if you can relate it to something in the rest of the play.

The best way to check your essay when you have finished is to read it out loud to your parents.

	Romeo and Juliet - essay guidance Remember that its title is: Write a letter to the director of Romeo and Juliet asking to play the part of Romeo, Mercutio or Tybalt in Act 3 Scene 1. And also remember how you get your grades: · u/G: writes something which talks about the play (e.g. tells the story). · F/E: explains and justifies · D/C: understanding and insight You will write your essay in three sections: FIRST SECTION – why I want to play Romeo/Mercutio/Tybalt This is the section where you can really nail the ‘explain/justify’ requirements of the markscheme. Explain and justify to your imaginary director exactly WHY you want to play your hero. This section will begin simply: ‘Dear Director. I want to play Romeo/Mercutio/Tybalt because…’ and you will then explain a number of reasons why you want to play that character. Things you might talk about include: 1. things about his personality you are attracted by/admire/fear/are fascinated by 2. the importance of his role in the play and the scene 3. at least two great lines/quotes he says which you love* To get the higher marks, you will need to cite facts/quotes which illustrate/prove the things you are saying. It is also good if you can relate why you like that characteristic/line/etc. to something personal which causes you to respond personally to him. * remember that you can help to move your essay on to one of the higher grades here by not only relating your favourite lines to your own likes/dislikes, but by explaining how it illustrates Shakespeare’s style/method of writing – e.g. explaining how the quote illustrates imagery/enjambement etc. SECOND SECTION – why I want to play in Act 3 Scene 1 This is the section where you can demonstrate the ‘understanding/insight’ requirements of the markscheme by showing that you understand the scene and its importance This section will begin: ‘Also, Mr Director, I want to play in Act 3 Scene 1 because it is so important for the play.’ and you will then explain a number of reasons why that Scene is important. Things you might mention are: 1. Act 3 Scene 1 is a turning point in the play. 2. Act 3 Scene 1 contains all the themes of the play. Treat this section as an opportunity to show that you really understand the play and what Shakespeare was trying to do when he wrote it. Here you will need to make statements about the play, but also to illustrate/prove them by citing facts/quotes from the play in general, and from Act 3 Scene 1 in particular. THIRD SECTION – how I will play Romeo/Mercutio/Tybalt in Act 3 Scene 1 This section will allow you to prove the ‘understanding/insight’ requirements of the markscheme. The section will begin: ‘Finally Mr Director, I would play the part brilliantly.’ Remember that there are three ways to play Shakespeare: Authentic/ Period Piece/ Modern Interpretation Other things you might mention are: · What the scenery/ costumes would look like · Voice and body language – how you would stand/ walk/ say certain lines · Action and Movement – entrances/ exits/ timing Treat this section as your opportunity to show that you have some great ideas about how to interpret the character/scene. Here you will need not only to make statements about how you would do certain things, but you MUST also explain WHY you would do it that way – particularly if you can relate it to something in the rest of the play. The best way to check your essay when you have finished is to read it out loud to your parents.