Original PromptCreate a close read for 7th-8th-grade students using the attached file.
This resource focuses on the critical analysis of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," challenging the common interpretation of the play as a romantic love story. The analysis is led by Lois Leveen, who argues that the characters, particularly Romeo, embody traits and behaviors that contradict the romantic ideal. Notably, Romeo is described as a 'sordid character' whose initial intentions are questionable and whose actions lead to violence. The resource explores how modern adaptations and cultural influences have shaped contemporary perceptions, often sanitizing the original themes of tragedy and critique present in the play. It provides a deeper understanding of the historical context and encourages students to engage with textual evidence to critically evaluate the portrayal of love and family dynamics, while ultimately asserting that Romeo and Juliet serves as a cautionary tale rather than a celebration of young love.