Learning Objective 1: Students will analyze how Shakespeare develops the theme of justice through character decisions.
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to explain how a character’s decisions develop the theme of justice using relevant textual evidence.
Linked Online Resource 1: No Fear Shakespeare (SparkNotes – Romeo and Juliet)
Activity Description: Students read selected scenes from Romeo and Juliet using both the original text and the modern translation. They annotate character decisions and analyze how those decisions contribute to the theme of justice, citing textual evidence in a shared digital document.
Learning Objective 2: Students will evaluate which character bears the greatest responsibility for the tragedy and defend their claim using clear reasoning and relevant textual evidence.
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to: State a clear claim identifying which character is most responsible. Support their claim with at least 2–3 pieces of relevant textual evidence, Explain their reasoning by connecting evidence to their claim, Address at least one counterargument to strengthen their position.
Linked Online Resource 1: CommonLit – Argument Writing Resources
Activity Description: Students participate in a “mock trial” where they argue which character is most responsible for the tragedy. Using digital resources, they gather textual evidence, organize claims, and present arguments in a collaborative platform or discussion board.
Learning Objective 3: Students will analyze a central conflict from a text and adapt it to a modern context, demonstrating understanding of how the conflict develops and its impact on characters.
Linked Online Resource 1:StoryboardThat – Digital Storyboard Creator
Activity Description: Students adapt a central conflict from Romeo and Juliet into a modern setting by creating a digital storyboard. They update characters, setting, and dialogue while preserving the original conflict and its impact.