Do you know the band, The Killers? They did a cover of the Dire Straits song, “Romeo and Juliet.” What do you think of their version?
Study Questions
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May 4, 2008
Now that you’ve read the play and seen two modern film version of Romeo and Juliet, watch the video above and then critique the artist’s interpretation. You might consider what film clips he chooses to include and how they express his interpretation of the Dire Straits’ lyrics to the song, “Romeo and Juliet.” What did you like? What could have been done better? What other film clips might you have chosen to include?
(Since YouTube is blocked at school, you’ll need to watch this video clip at home.)
May 4, 2008
What happens to the other characters after the ending of the play? Shakespeare based his story on The Tragicalle Historye of Romeus and Juliet, a poem by Arthur Brooke. A the end of the poem, Brooke tells what happens to several characters after the lovers’ deaths. For example, the Apothecary is hanged for selling poison. In your opinion, what consequences (if any) should endured by the characters who outlive Romeo and Juliet, the Nurse, the Friar, and Lord Capulet?
May 4, 2008
What would have happened if Romeo and Juliet had not died? What would their life be like fifteen years into the future? Would the feud between the Capulets and the Montagues be resolved?
May 4, 2008
A tragedy tells of the defeat of a tragic hero. His or her downfall is the result of a tragic flaw or fatal character weakness. Who is the tragic hero (heroine) of Romeo and Juliet and what is his or her fatal weakness?
May 4, 2008
Do you think the feud between the Capulets and Montagues is really over?
April 30, 2008
In what ways are the adults responsible for the fate of Romeo and Juliet? Name some of the things they could have done differently.
April 30, 2008
Why do you think Shakespeare includes the deaths of Paris and Lady Montague in Act V?
April 30, 2008
Friar Lawrence runs from the tomb after Juliet awakens. Decide whether or not this action is “in character” with his behavior earlier in the play.
April 30, 2008
Which do you think is responsible for the outcome of the play fate (also called destiny) or free will? Explain.
