January 26 and 27-Lazy sonnet and King Letter

We acted out Act 3 Scene 1 today and then kids did a Lazy sonnet. Here are the directions for the sonnet.

Lazy Sonnet assignment for III.I.

A sonnet is made up of 14 lines

A lazy sonnet is made up of 14 lines, but only has one word for each line.

Here is an example of a lazy sonnet for II.III.

Friar

Loves

Plants,

Plants

Mimic

Humanity.

Friar

Helps

Romeo.

What

Will

Happen?

Verona

Peace?

Your job is to read III.I.29-192 and write a lazy sonnet that gives a summary of the scene.  Make sure to include the important things that happen in this scene.

In addition, students were given a homework assignment to complete:

Prince Escalus-

It has come to my attention that the city which you govern has become embroiled in a family quarrel.  Verona has always set a high standard of excellence and has proven a leader in the areas of safety and order.  But now the streets are becoming battlefields between the two powerful families of the Montagues and the Capulets.  This type of rebellion and lawlessness needs to end immediately.  There is no excuse for this anarchy in our fair Verona.

However, need I remind you that these two families are extremely wealthy and contribute greatly to the coffers of your King?  Therefore, I suggest you deal with this delicate matter as carefully as possible, making sure to properly uphold the law, but also to keep these two families as happy and satisfied as possible.

Please update me on the current difficulties your governance is facing, and let me know your judgement.

Your King-

King Italiano

Your assignment is to write a letter in answer back to King Italiano, pretending you are Prince Escalus.

I will grade this letter on:

Neatness.

Appropriate language.  It doesn’t have to be Shakespearean dialogue, but it must sound like a Prince’s letter to a King.

Explain what is going on between the Montagues and Capulets.

In the conflict with Romeo, Mercutio and Tybalt, explain why they began fighting and who killed who.

Announce your punishment of Romeo and how this is the best possible way to keep peace in Verona.  This punishment can be different from the one that the Prince gives in the play.

LITTLE KNOW FACT:

Mercutio and Paris are both related to the Prince.  So Paris’ desire to marry Juliet and Mercutio’s death are subjects very close to the Prince’s heart.