Assignment details:
Introduction:
Hook – Quote, question, interesting fact, shocking statistic, etc.
Background Info – Intro the author and the text (The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare) and brief summary of the story.
Thesis – In the tragic play, Friar Lawrence is responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet because he misguided minors and he displayed cowardly behavior.
Body Paragraph 1:
Topic Sentence: The first reason Friar Lawrence is responsible is because he misguided minors.
Major Point 1: First quote (III, i, 52).
Elaboration: How does this quote prove this person is responsible for their deaths?
Major Point 2: Second quote
Elaboration: How the second quote is responsible for their deaths.
Concluding Sentence: Due to him deciding to officiate the wedding and provide Juliet with poison, it is clear Friar is responsible for their deaths.
Body Paragraph 2 (Address counterclaims)
Topic Sentence: Other readers may believe that Romeo and Juliet are responsible for their own deaths.
Major Point 1: Evidence they would point to in support of their position.
Transition: Although this is true… orrrrr However, Friar Lawrence’s cowardly behavior is what prevented him from saving Juliet and Romeo.
Major Point 2: A quote that proves this point
Elaboration: How this quote proves it caused their deaths.
Concluding Sentence: Although many would claim Romeo and Juliet take full responsibility for their own lives, it is clear that Friar’s cowardly behavior was the catalyst behind it all.
Conclusion:
Restate your thesis.
So what? – What is the lesson to learn here? Romeo and Juliet is a cautionary tale about the tragic effects of unwise council and cowardly behavior. It encourages all readers to think before they act and to be bold in the face of difficulty.
