Unit 2 Lessons 11-12: Fortune’s Fool

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Unit 2 Lessons 11-12

Introduction : In this lesson, students will continue their exploration of Romeo’s character development as they begin to work carefully through the Act 3 excerpt 3.1.114–143, in which Romeo kills Tybalt. This passage is a critical turning point in the play and functions as a catalyst for the tragic events that unfold in subsequent scenes.

Standards

RL.9-10.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language evokes a sense of time and place; how it sets a formal or informal tone).
RL.9-10.1 Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
RL.9-10.3 Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme.

Assessment

Quick Write: What is Romeo implying about his own role in the events to come? : Is Romeo “fortune’s fool”?  Use evidence from the text to support your response.

Vocabulary

  • mortal (adj.) – causing or having caused death (1)
  • temper (n.) – disposition; (v.) – to soften something by adding the influence of something else (1)
  • aspire (v.) – to rise, climb, or soar (2)
  • woe (n.) – great sorrow or distress (2)
  • respective (adj.) – partial (obsolete) (3)
  • conduct (n.) – guide (obsolete) (3)
  • consort (v.) – accompany, escort (obsolete) (4)
  • slander (n.) – the utterance of false charges which damage another person’s reputation (4)
  • effeminate (adj.) – having feminine qualities; not manly in appearance or manner (5)
  • valour (n.) – strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger bravely(5)
  • lenity (n.) – the quality or state of being tolerant (5)

Agenda

  • Homework Accountability
  • Masterful Reading: Act 3.1 .114–143
  • Text-Dependent Questions and Activities
  • Quick Write
  • Assessment

Aim: What is Romeo implying about his own role in the events to come? Is Romeo “fortune’s fool”?

Learning Sequence:

  1. Go over quick write assignments from lesson 10
  2. Review: Line 102. The word grave can have several meanings. Offer two that you think are appropriate in the context of line 102, and then respond in writing to the following question: Why does Mercutio choose this word to describe himself?
  3. Listen to the recording of Act 3.1 . 114–143 (http://etc.usf.edu/lit2go/201/romeo-and-juliet/4343/act-3-scene-1/)
  4. In small groups, work on the assigned new vocabulary. Find at least a synonym or antonym of the word and make a sentence using the word.
  5. Vocabulary Quiz
  6. In pairs, discuss the TBQs based on lines 114-121: A. 1. Whom does Romeo blame for Mercutio’s injury? Underline the part of the text that tells you. B. What is “Tybalt’s slander” (114)? C. According to Romeo, what are the consequences of Tybalt’s slander? D. What familiar word do you see within effeminate (116)? How can this word help you to understand what Romeo feels Juliet’s beauty has done to him? E. Review the definition of valour on your vocabulary chart (n. strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger bravely). What do valour and steel have in common? F.  In your own words, what has Juliet’s beauty done to Romeo’s “temper”?  G.  According to Romeo, why didn’t he defend himself against Tybalt’s slander? Support your answer with evidence from lines 114-121 H. Why does Romeo blame himself for Mercutio’s injury?
  7. Share responses in class.
  8. In pairs, read lines 121-125 and respond to : a. What recent event is Romeo describing when he says “this day’s black fate”? b. According to Romeo, who will end the “woe” that has just begun?
  9. 1st Quick Write: What is Romeo implying about his own role in the events to come?
  10. Share responses in class.
  11. Reread lines 126-136 in pairs and discuss the TBQs. Pairs should be prepared to share their answers with the class. A. What clues in line 129 can help you to determine the meaning of lenity in line 128? B. What choice is Romeo making in lines 129–130? C. What choice is Romeo making in lines 128–129? D. What three possible paths to justice does Romeo propose in line 134? E. What do you notice about the pacing of this fight sequence? Hint: How does it compare to Mercutio and Tybalt’s duel?
  12. In pairs, read  lines 138-143. Respond to: a. In what contexts have you heard the word fortune before? Consider the meaning of fortune in these different scenarios. What do you think fortune means in the context of this passage? B. What might it mean to be “fortune’s fool”

Assessment: Write a brief independent response to the unifying focusing question- Is Romeo “fortune’s fool” (142)? Use evidence from the text to support your response.

Homework:

1.Complete your response to Is Romeo “fortune’s fool” (142)? Use evidence from the text to support your response.

2. Prepare for a Vocabulary Quiz up to Lesson 12

 

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