OCR coursework task for GCSE English: Act 2, Scene 2 of Romeo and Juliet

Remind yourself of Act 2 scene 2 in the text and in one or more performed versions of the play. Explore the ways in which Romeo and Juliet are presented in this scene and elsewhere in Shakespeares play, and in the performed verisons.

You should consider: the thoughts and feelings Romeo and Juliet express the ways other characters react to them what makes the relationship between Romeo and Juliet so moving.

My knowledge

P O o K o r

G What I must do to improve my knowledge o o d

Understood the question Made at least 12 good points, provided evidence I know how to analyse my quotes I understand the whole scene in detail I can explain what Shakespeares language means, and how he presents the lovers I can explain how Zeferelli presents the lovers I can explain how Baz Luhrmann presents the lovers

Key Points to consider Shakespeares presentation of the lovers Shakespeare uses language to present the lovers as being in love; the lovers use of language shows that they are in love in different ways. Shakespeare was writing for the THEATRE. Take a look at Shakespeares Globe to understand how his theatre looked: http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/. The main point was that there was very few props; only a balcony, some costumes, and possibly a flaming torch. The play would have been performed during the day and wouldnt have had any lighting effects. How would this affect the presentation of the lovers?? You will need to discuss the staging of the play when you explain Shakespeares presentation of the lovers. A grade answers will discuss how Shakespeares imagery (his word pictures) and use of poetry (his use of verse form/rhythm) affects our view of the lovers. Zeferellis presentation of the lovers Franco Zeferelli was a film director; he does not APPEAR in the scene; he told the actors how to say their lines and supervised the filming of the scene. He sets the scene in Verona in a real orchard and in a house that Juliet might really have lived in, if she was a real person which she is not. What is the effect of setting the scene in this setting? How is Juliet presented in this version? She is young and presented in quite a sexualised fashion, while Romeo seems dreamy. The scene includes about three quarters of Shakespeares lines. There is a heavy emphasis upon the theme of love; but the danger that Romeo is in is not stressed. Baz Luhrmanns presentation of the lovers Modern setting. Think about the costumes of the lovers; what they tell us about them? Juliet is presented as an angel, while Romeo is a bit like a knight. The danger is accentuated in the scene. The language is heavily edited with the focus upon key lines. How are they read and why are they said in this way? The scene is very visual; what are the striking images in this filmed version? What is the effect of them and how do they affect our view of the lovers?