San Diego Jewish Academy 9th Grade Humanities Romeo and Juliet, 4.1-2

thoughts we imagine characters to have as they speak certain lines

"I'm glad you're here this evening."

(stress a different word each reading; how does the meaning change?)

Lines:

Character 1: You're late.

Character 2: I know. I couldn't help it.

Character 1: I understand.

Character 2: I thought you would.

Character 1: I have something to give you.

Character 2: Really?

Character 1: Yes, this.

• Stress, emphasis placed on a word when pronounced
• Inflection, the way the voice goes up or down when a word is pronounced
• Pause, break in reading for emphasis
• Nonverbal communication, gestures, posture, the presence or absence of eye contact

• Two friends, the late friend has just arrived at what will be a surprise party for him/her
• Pizza delivery man and customer, the pizza delivery is late
• Bride and groom, one has arrived late for the wedding
• Spies, they are meeting secretly to exchange information
• Lovers, they are meeting at a romantic restaurant
• Teacher and student, the student is handing in a late paper

Read 4.1-2 and write two paragraphs, one for each scene:

• For 4.1, select Paris, the Friar, or Juliet, and write a paragraph describing what you think your character's subtext is during this meeting.
• For 4.2, select Juliet or her father, and write a paragraph describing what you think your character's subtext is during this meeting.