Choose one prompt (avoid first or second person):
1. Whom or what do you see as most responsible for the tragedy that befalls Romeo and Juliet?
Support your answer with specific references to the play.
2. Could Romeo and Juliet have made decisions that would have prevented their deaths, or was it
“in the stars”? Defend your answer.
3. In act 4, scene 5, Death is personified in the lamentations of Capulet, his wife, and Paris. Write
an essay in which you explain how the play portrays death. Include lines from the play to support
your ideas.
4. Examine Friar Lawrence’s or the nurse’s part in the tragedy. Some critics hold them responsible
for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. Write an essay either defending or accusing one of them
regarding this charge.
5. At the end of the play, the prince tells everyone to go home and talk about the things that have
happened. He says, “Some shall be pardon’d, and some punished.” Name at least one character
whom you think should be punished and one whom you think should be pardoned, and defend
your choices.
Format: This essay should be at least three full pages, double-spaced. You should use 12 pt. font and standard (one inch) margins. If your essay is not formatted correctly, I will automatically deduct five (5) points. Your heading should include the words your name, my name, the class and the date you turn it in. You should also have an appropriate and interesting title. Include at least four quotations. When you use quotes, you must write the page number immediately after the quote: “quote” (23). Include the prompt you are writing about in the privat ecomments. Avoid first person and second person in this essay.
