Objectives
This unit hopes to offer students an introduction to the world of Shakespeare, though it could be used by anybody looking to create comparison between the two aforementioned plays and the characters within them. Students will first read Shakespeare’s Sonnet 130, inviting them to question the nature of beauty, attraction and desire, before delving into selected scenes from Romeo and Juliet, then tackling A Midsummer Night’s Dream in its entirety, paying special attention to how characters perceive the world around them, the choices their desires lead them to and how they relate to other characters.
As the focus of the unit is on character, nearly all standards relating to characterization, internal or external conflict motive, word choice, and tone are relevant and of importance. Additionally, because we will explore two plays side-by-side, standards related to comparison and contrast of two or more works or scenes also are well-served throughout this unit, as well as standards for sequence. This is also an excellent time to explore the literary structure of a drama with students, addressing standards calling for a close reading of sonnets, soliloquy, rhyme, rhythm, and iambic pentameter. It is also possible to incidentally address a number of other standards, such as personification, irony, and plot structure.
Suggested vocabulary words for this unit are: sonnet, arbitrary, apothecary, charm, destiny, consent, jest, lament, vow, melancholy, soliloquy, stanza, imagery, verse, mend, ironic and personification.
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