This was my coursework NEA for 'Romeo and Juliet' that I got an A* (Grade 9) on.

I always struggled with English Literature however coursework was something I was strong on.

Introduction - 'Romeo and Juliet' is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare in 1591. It tells the tale of 2 forbidden lovers separated by opposing families. It consists of 5 acts, all of them exploring themes of love, destiny, death and family conflict. Shakespeare is able to portray love and heartbreak in an expressive way throughout the play.

Prologue - We can see that death and love are foreshadowed in the prologue when Shakespeare uses the term “Star-crossed lovers”. In this time period, the Elizabethans believed that the stars controlled human destinies, implying it was fate that brought the two together, no matter what events took place. Love is emphasised as Shakespeare uses the phrase “star-crossed”, suggesting that despite the families vendetta against one another, the pair were joined at the hands of God. Additionally, the prologue is in the form of a sonnet, a poem used as a declaration of love. Once again, this emphasis on love allows the audience to believe that it was inevitable for Romeo and Juliet to be smitten with each other. We can interpret the prologue in a different sense if we analyse the quote “death-mark'd love”. The phrase intensifies a theme of death where the characters are unable to control their futures as it's already dictated by fate. It suggests that they are bound to the path set out for them regardless of how tragic it is. This impacts the audience's view on the story, allowing them to consider the repercussions of love.

Act 1, Scene 1 - In act 1, Scene 1, we see Romeo display heartbreak for a woman we know to be Rosaline. This is evident when he declares “O brawling love”, we can tell that Romeo is conflicted between his emotions however he acknowledges that love is not simple. We are aware that Romeo has been rejected as he is clearly suffering from a petrarchan love as Rosaline does not reciprocate his feelings. The use of “brawling” suggests that love is a fight, creating an oxymoron as we believe love to be sweet. Having said that, we question his love for Juliet later as hours beforehand, he is in despair for another woman. It is possible he mistakes lust for love and is desperate for companionship to ease his sentiment. As an audience, we develop conflicting opinions on whether or not we can call it true love between Romeo and Juliet.

Act 1, Scene 5 - In act 1, Scene 5, Shakespeare sets up Romeo and Juliets rising relationship when he asks "Did my heart love till now?". This is an introductory to Romeos hamartia of falling in love too quickly as we preciously see him in anguish for Rosaline and yet he now claims to love another. The use of "now" in an interrogative suggests his love for Rosaline was nothing in comparison, it's as if he never knew the true meaning of love until he set eyes on Juliet. Later in this scene, there is a direct link to religious imagery within "two blushing pilgrims", indicating it's like God has approved it. Romeo comes across as confident as he states his desire to kiss Juliet. At the end of their shared sonnet, they exchange a passionate kiss, implying reciprocating attraction. Shakespeare chooses the two to perform a sonnet as their first meeting, it holds the rhythm of a iambic pentameter which mimics a rushed heartbeat, convincing the audience that love is in the air.

Act 2, Scene 2 - Love is presented as being convincing in act 2, scene 2 as Juliet tests Romeo by saying "O swear not by the moon, th' inconstant moon". Juliet is showing responsibility and maturity by doing this as she wants to ensure that he's fully committed. There are implications towards Diana, a Goddess in classical mythology, through the term "moon". The allusion brings connotations of beauty, childbirth and chastity, making the audience invison Juliet as other worldly. As well as this, Juliet notes that the moon constantly changes, so she wonders if his love for her will also change. True love is implied within the next quote "Th' exchange of thy love's faithful vows for mine", Romeo is willing to commit and marry Juliet, despite being sworn enemies. As an audience, we are convinced that the belief of destiny and true love is possible.

Act 2, Scene 2 - Later in this scene, true love is challenged and presented as lust when Romeo asks "O wilt thou leave me so unsatisfied?". It seems as if Romeo's dissapointed as he is in want of intercourse. The use of "unsatisfied" suggests it's as if he expected her to give up herself for him. This is further proved when Romeo commands Juliet to "Be not her maid", this is another reference to Diana, Goddess of moon. It is known that her maids were virgins and yet, even when Juliet has denied him, Romeo is pushing her to give up her purity for his own pleasure. With this thought, Shakespeare let's the audience question if Romeo desired her for her fair looks, seeing as he only seeked her out for physical intimacy.

Act 2, Scene 3 - In act 2, scene 3, concern and skepticism are displayed through Friar Lawrence when he says "Young men's love then lies not truly in their hearts, but in their eyes". This implies that Romeo is oblivious to the true meaning of love and he has based his emotions off appearances. The term "young" suggests that love is learned through experience and goes deeper then physical attraction, we could infer that Friar Lawrence knows this as he could've once been in a similar situation. Apprehension is further showed in the quote "Woes were all for Rosaline and art thou changed?". Romeo was utterly infatuated with Rosaline, alas, it didnt work out so he moved on, many could say too quickly. He has mourned his loss of Rosaline yet now he has buried that passion, this could potentially foreshadow him going to the grave for love. Despite his sudden shift in feelings, Romeos determination to marry Juliet may change the audience's hesitation.

Act 2, Scene 6 - Juliet professes her love for Romeo in act 2, Scene 6 as she exclaims "I cannot sum up sum of half my wealth". This could potentially allude to the idea that Juliet is overwhelmed with love for him and is unsure of how to handle it. It adds the demonstration of love being an overpowering force, even when felt partially. The adverb "half" could mean that regardless of her riches, no amount can total the quantity of adoration she experieces near Romeo. She proves to the audience that she is hopelessly devoted towards him, seeing as she is unable to verbalise her emotions.

Act 3, Scene 6 - Shakespeare gives Juliet an epithalamion in act 3, Scene 6 to show her love for Romeo. An epithalamion is a poem written for a bride on the way to her marital bed, apart of said poem, she says "O, I have bought the mansion of a love, but not possessed it". This is a metaphor used to describe how she's married, yet hasn't experienced the benefits, this is an implication towards intercourse. This quote also demonstrates that being intimate is a way of connecting them and Romeos willingness to wait till marriage before fornication. Later in this scene, Juliet finds out about the duel between Romeo and Tybalt and the death of her cousin. She had been placed in a predicament yet eventually says "that villain cousin", after contemplation, her conflicting views are overuled by their love. She attempts to justify Romeos actions and puts the blame on Tybalt, showing dedication in her marriage. This shows the audience that Juliet has placed Romeo over her own blood, proving she sees him as a priority.

Act 3, Scene 5 - In Act 3, Scene 5, Juliet comes across as deceptive as she says "I will not marry yet; and when I do, I swear, it shall be Romeo whom you know I hate, rather then Paris". It is clear her parents are unaware of Romeo and Juliets marriage and are under the impression that they despise eachother. The use of dramatic irony shows the audience that Juliet is more deceptive then she comes across. The verb "swear" shows the lengths she would go to protect her relationship as she disobeys her family in a patriarchal society. Her father, Lord Capulet then insults Juliet, threatening and saying "hang thee, young baggage", claiming she will be disowned and separated from society. This shows the audience that Juliet is brave to deny her father, demonstrating the power one has when driven by love.

Act 4, Scenes 1&3 - In act 4, scenes 1&3, we see Juliet and Friar Lawrence devising a plan for the lovers happy ending. At the mention of the wedding with Paris, Juliet cries out "O bid me leap". She would rather kill herself then marry him, at a time where killing yourself is a sin, Juliet goes to extreme measures and willing to go against religion then marry such a man. Further into the play, she says "Give me, give me! O tell me not fear", she shows no hesitation as she's doing it for love. The repeated imperatives of "give me" suggests she's eager to take the vial. She eventually said "Come vial....(she drinks)*, when she drinks the vial, she's proving she has strength and dedication for Romeo. This shows the audience that Juliet is sacrificing for Romeo, demonstrating how much she loves him. She puts him over her own family, alluding to the idea that they had true love.

(The last paragrapgh didnt show up due to limits)