Actual Essay Question
How
is the Romeo portrayed in Act 1 Scene1 reflective of Romeo’s characterization
throughout the entire play??
Paraphrased Essay Question
What
do we learn about Romeo’s character in Act 1 Scene 1 and how does this
foreshadow the tragedy at the plays conclusion??
Sample Body Paragraph
Topic Sentence:
In Act 1 Scene 1 Romeo is revealed to be <Identify one characteristic apparent in A1S1>
Elaborate:
This leads to his eventual demise because <Why does this characteristic lead to his death>
Evidence:
When conversing with Romeo he comments that <One quote from A1S1 that relates to your supporting argument>.
Explain:
Thus Romeo is <Why does the quote support your argument> and <How does this idea foreshadow his death (comment on fatal flaw)> and <What is Shakespeare suggesting about the world>.
Linking Sentence:
Thus, it could be suggested that in the initial scenes <How is Romeo characterised> and this results in <What is the ultimate consequence.>
Ideas
We learn a lot about Romeo in the opening scene. Apart from what we are told we can infer certain things based on the structure of the narrative and the things that Shakespeare does tell us.
1) Romeo is impulsive and emotional immature.
2) Love has a powerful influence on Romeo's actions.
3) Romeo feels separate from the limitations placed on him by social and familial expectation.
4) Romeo is ignorant to the consequences of his actions.
