ESSAY 1:

Considering the enormity of the tragedy that followed, do you think Friar Lawrence was wrong to marry Romeo and Juliet secretly? Could he be seen, in a way, as the second antagonist of the play? Discuss.

It is difficult to feel sorrow for Romeo's tragic death. He has been a fool throughout. He falls in love too quickly, loses his temper foolishly, doesn't wait for Friar Lawrence's instructions, as agreed, then he kills himself, while his wife is still alive. The play is not about fate, it's about bad decision-making. Discuss.

Discuss Juliet's development as a character from the beginning of the play until her untimely death.

Create a soap opera episode based on what Romeo and Juliet's marriage would have turned out, had they lived. Assume it is ten years later. What has happened?

Account for the change in the relationship between Juliet and the Nurse.

Benvolio and Mercutio each have a relationship with Romeo. What is this relationship and what is its importance to the play?

Discuss the development of Lord Capulet's character in the course of the play.

Compare and contrast Romeo and Paris. Consider their roles in the play, personalities, and importance to the plot.