‘O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou summer homework?’ Don’t panic year 10! During the holiday, I would like
you to carry out some research tasks to help you learn more about William Shakespeare and the background to
his tragic play, ‘Romeo and Juliet’. You may present the information in whichever form you like, for example a
leaflet, collage with writing, a Google Slides/PowerPoint presentation, an interview script or a diary entry of
someone who met and spoke with Shakespeare etc. Remember to be informative, creative and incorporate all of
the answers to the research questions below. Enjoy!
Homework due: Wednesday 31st August 2016
Don’t forget this homework as you will need to refer to it in the first lesson back!
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Where was Shakespeare born and raised?
What can you find out about his family/childhood?
Why did Shakespeare move to London and what happened there?
What can you find out about Shakespeare’s death and legacy?
Find out the names of at least 5 of Shakespeare’s plays
What three categories/types do Shakespearean plays fall into?
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What was it like to perform in the Globe Theatre?
What did the theatre look like?
How would watching a play be different in Shakespeare’s time compared to now?
Who performed in plays?
Who went to the theatre?
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What did she look like?
How long was she queen for?
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What were her views on the theatre?
What plays did she enjoy
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‘Romeo and Juliet’ was written in a patriarchal society. Find a definition for the term
‘patriarchy’ using a dictionary.
Find out a few facts about what rights women had in the 16 th century.
Look up the term ‘dowry’. How do you think this idea might relate to ‘Romeo and Juliet’?
Find out the year when we think the play was written.
Where is the play set? Find a map of this city. How long would it take you to travel from
TMBS to this city?
‘Romeo and Juliet’ is set in a very religious society which was predominantly Catholic.
Research some of the beliefs of the Catholic Church, particularly in terms of marriage
and mortal sin (e.g. suicide and sex before marriage).
What does the term ‘infatuation’ mean? How might this idea be relevant to the play?
Find a plot summary of the play. Now, write your own even shorter summary using no
more than 150 words.
Want to get ahead of the game and feel really comfortable with studying this wonderful
play? Challenge yourself to complete some of the additional tasks below.
Read through the information
on pages 125-130 in your
copy of the play.
Highlight and make notes
about the background of the
play.
TOP TIP!
Read the play!
Shakespeare can be tricky
and it will take you a while to
get used to the language this is completely normal!
Use the glossary to help you
interpret the scenes or take a
look at the 'No Fear
Shakespeare' modern
translation of the play online.
Make a few notes on
characters and the plot as
you read.
Consider buying a CGP
revision guide to help you
understand and analyse the
plot, characters and themes.