Act 5 Scene 3: The Fate of Star-Crossed Lovers

Prompt A

In this scene, Romeo believes Juliet has died even though she is really under the effects of a potion that makes her appear to be dead.  Romeo takes a vial of poison to die next to her, and when Juliet wakes up, she stabs herself out of sorrow.  This reminds me of the scene in The Hunger Games where the main characters Katniss and Peeta almost eat poisonous berries together.  Since a rule change was announced that they could not win together, Katniss and Peeta chose to eat the berries and commit suicide together rather than kill each other.  Although in the end they survive because the Hunger Games must have a winner, this scene relates to the feelings that Romeo and Juliet were feeling when they each killed themselves.  In both Katniss and Peeta's heads, they are feeling desperate and defeated, just like Romeo and Juliet when they each see that the other is dead.  Also, both scenes inspire change for the better.  In the play, this scene inspires the Montagues and Capulets to stop fighting.  In The Hunger Games, Katniss and Peeta's rebellious action inspires the system of districts to rebel against the corrupt Capital.

Act 3 Scene 5: An Arranged Marriage

Prompt B

Juliet- Why are you going against your father's and Nurse's wishes when you can't even see Romeo anymore?
Nurse- Why have you suddenly taken Paris's side even though you are in on the plan with Romeo?
Lord Capulet- Why did you renege on your previous statement that Juliet was allowed to choose who she marries?
Lady Capulet- Would you fight your husband's decision for Juliet's sake?
Paris- Do you truly believe that the Juliet will be happy having to marry you right after her cousin was killed?

Act 2 Scene 6: A Secret Wedding

Prompt E

Romeo and Juliet have a very unique relationship as lovers that differs from anything that we see today.  They are from opposing sides of a blood feud, yet they still pursue their relationship as star-crossed lovers.  Even though they know next to nothing about each other's secrets or personalities, they still decide to get married.  Marriage is something that people propose after a couple has been dating for at least a year, but Romeo and Juliet have only just met.  For all they know, the other could just be manipulating them to win a petty victory in the blood feud.  Keeping in mind that they fell in love just the night before, their relationship is the epitome of love at first sight.

Act 2 Scene 3: An Agreement to End the Feud

Prompt F

(Inside Friar Laurence's head)
A reckless boy that Romeo is, coming to me to complete his marriage to Juliet, a Capulet no less.  Just days ago was he depressed and heartbroken about Rosaline.  Now he believes he has found true love, with a Capulet?  He is a good boy, an innocent who bears no hatred towards the Capulets, despite his family's blood feud.  I have decided to marry the couple, but only to end their ridiculous feud.  I doubt they even remember what started it.  "Romeo!  In one respect I'll thy assistant be, for this alliance may so happy prove, to turn your households' rancour to pure love."

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Act 2 Scene 2: Exchange by Night

Prompt D

The image of the phoenix rising from the ashes represents the ideals of Romeo and Juliet during the balcony scene.  Juliet tells Romeo, "Romeo, doff they name, And for that which is no part of thee, Take all myself".  She wants Romeo to take off his name, to shed his Montague label, so that he can be with her.  Much like the phoenix, Romeo and Juliet both wish to be reborn so that they can be together.

Act 1 Scene 5: Love at First Sight

Prompt B

Tybalt- Why do you hate Romeo so much?

Nurse- Can you keep the fact that Juliet loves a Montague a secret?

Capulet- Since you protected Romeo, do you truly hate the Montagues?

Romeo- Why did you immediately fall in love with Juliet even without knowing her personality?

Juliet- Are you brave enough to continue pursuing Romeo even though he is a Montague?

What I Know Now

Dear, You,

From what I know now,

while you’re still young,

there are some things you need to know.

Have fun.

There is no one to say no to you.

No one can tell you to do this.

Or that.

Let no one shove a lid

on your jar of happiness.

Wrap your hands around it

and hug it to your chest.

Play it risky.

There are no consequences yet.

Learn to be adventurous.

Try new things.

Follow the wind,

your thoughts,

whatever it might be.

Let it all out.

No one can judge you.

Speak what’s on your mind.

Sing what’s in your heart.

A ball of bad feelings

is no good.

Be as free as the

rippling currents that follow

no map.

You are perfect.

Let no one take that away from you.

Never feel down about

what someone said.

What someone did.

They can’t hurt you.
You are light.

You are invincible.

With Love,

Your future self.