Themes, symbols, and motifs are valuable aspects of any literary work, and they add richness to stories. Part of the Common Core ELA standards is to introduce and explain these complex concepts. However, abstract ideas are often difficult for students to analyze without assistance. Using a storyboard, students can visually demonstrate their understanding of these concepts, and master analysis of literary elements. For best practices, see our supplementary article with specific lesson plan steps on setting up your classroom and activities to teach themes, symbols, and motifs.
As a classroom activity, students could track the rich symbolism William Shakespeare uses throughout the play. In the example storyboard above, the creator has focused on the particular use of light and dark imagery in the play. Although generally light is seen as good and dark is seen as evil, the roles are reversed for these young lovers. This may be because their love must remain hidden, and darkness conceals their secret, making the darkness good.
Throughout the play, the actions of the impetuous and rash lovers cause misfortune, often leading to the death of other characters, and eventually, themselves.
In much of the play, Romeo and Juliet struggle to be together against external forces. They have an ‘us against the world’ mentality, defying their families and the Prince of Verona.
The idea that our lives are not controlled by chance, but rather by a predetermined fate, keeps the audience in suspense. In the end, a series of coincidences leads to the tragic death of the star-crossed lovers.
Darkness concealing the lovers' relationship adds to the play's urgency and drama. Romeo and Juliet are the only light in each other's life.
In the play, the idea that dreams are only fantasies is most notable in Mercutio’s "Queen Mab" speech. Romeo, the dreamer, quickly falls hopelessly in love. Mercutio can’t help but create a satire around this idea.
Early in the play, Friar Lawrence remarks that everything has its purpose and that certain things are only made evil by human hands. Specifically, he means the poison that will make Juliet appear dead although she is merely asleep. However, Romeo visits an apothecary and buys a lethal poison that ends his life.
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes, symbols, and motifs in Romeo and Juliet. Illustrate instances of each and write a short description below each cell.
Begin by reviewing the concepts of themes, symbols, and motifs in literature. Provide an overview of the key themes, symbols, and motifs in Romeo and Juliet. Explain the importance of critical thinking and argumentation skills in literary analysis.
Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a specific theme, symbol, or motif from Romeo and Juliet. Provide students with guidelines on how to research, analyze, and prepare arguments regarding their assigned element. Explain the debate format and rules, including opening statements, rebuttals, and closing arguments.
Guide each group in preparing their arguments and counterarguments. Facilitate practice debates among the groups to refine their arguments and public speaking skills. Provide feedback on the clarity and strength of their arguments.
Lead a class discussion after the debates, encouraging students to reflect on what they've learned about the themes, symbols, and motifs in Romeo and Juliet. Introduce the argumentative writing assignment, where each student will choose one of the themes, symbols, or motifs from the debates and write an individual essay defending their chosen element's significance in the play.
Worksheet exercises could include having students identify and summarize key instances of themes, symbols, and motifs in each act. For example, students might create a chart where they list instances of the theme of love, the symbol of light and dark, and the motif of time in each act. They can then write brief summaries or explanations for each instance to deepen their understanding of how these elements develop throughout the play.
The theme of death in "Romeo and Juliet" is explored through various tragic events. The deaths of characters like Mercutio, Tybalt, and ultimately, Romeo and Juliet, symbolize the consequences of unchecked violence and hatred. These deaths signify the high cost of the feuding between the Montagues and Capulets. Additionally, Romeo and Juliet's deaths, as "star-crossed lovers," highlight the play's exploration of fate and the inevitability of certain outcomes.
Masks and disguises serve as motifs that reveal the characters' true identities and motivations. For instance, Juliet's masked appearance at the Capulet ball allows her to meet and fall in love with Romeo, demonstrating that disguises can lead to unexpected connections. Similarly, Romeo's use of a mask when he sneaks into the Capulet garden signifies his willingness to defy societal norms to be with Juliet. These motifs highlight the theme of hidden identities and the characters' willingness to take risks for love.