“For never was a sonnet of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo . . .”

Sonnet Project for Romeo and Juliet Unit

As we read and analyze the play Romeo and Juliet, look closely at the problems and concerns that various characters face. In fact, make a point to mark with post-its at least three spots where the character struggles with something internally or externally.

Write an original sonnet that addresses this problem from the perspective of your character. Prepare a dramatic reading of the sonnet with musical accompaniment.

Not only is your goal to write this sonnet in iambic pentameter with appropriate rhyme scheme, and show how you have interpreted the character’s problem, but to present your sonnet in a three-slide PowerPoint presentation.

Do the following on paper as preparation:

1. Identify the problem area that concerns your character. Choose from the following list of characters: Romeo, Juliet, Benvolio, Tybalt, Mercutio, Nurse, Lord and Lady Montague, Lord and Lady Capulet, Prince, Friar, Paris.

2. Mark the problem in your textbook with a post-it.

3. Analyze the problem from your character’s perspective.

4. Write the sonnet from your character’s perspective.

Do the following on PowerPoint:

1. Prepare a title slide with your name, class period and original title of your presentation.

2. Prepare a second slide with the text of the sonnet and your dramatic reading of the sonnet.

3. Prepare a third slide with a picture that represents the emotions of the character in this situation.

4. Add to the third slide music that also represents the emotions of the character in this situation.