Romeo and Juliet: Love - Visual Scaffolds and PEEL Paragraphs

This comprehensive resource booklet is designed to help students of all levels understand and analyse the theme of love in Romeo and Juliet. With a focus on romantic imagery, religious symbolism, and key language choices, this resource offers valuable support for GCSE, English Literature students as they explore the complexities of Shakespeare’s portrayal of love.

Key Features

Visuals for Vocabulary Generation: Engaging images help students build a strong vocabulary base for writing essays on the theme of love. These visuals guide students in identifying key words and phrases to describe mood, setting, and character portrayal, enhancing their analytical writing.

PEEL Model Analysis: The booklet includes step-by-step guidance on how to structure and develop essay responses using the PEEL model (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link). Students will learn to analyse Shakespeare’s language and use evidence effectively to explore themes like passion, sacrifice, and the transcendent nature of love.

Comparative Analysis Prompts: Students are encouraged to compare different moments in the play, such as Romeo’s feelings for Juliet in the famous balcony scene (Act 2, Scene 2) with his initial confusion in Act 1, Scene 1. This helps them explore how love is presented across the play and develop a more nuanced understanding.

Religious Symbolism: The resource includes an in-depth vocabulary list focusing on the religious symbolism in the play, such as references to saints, pilgrims, and sacrificial love. Students will gain insights into how these symbols elevate the intensity and purity of Romeo and Juliet’s relationship.

Vocabulary Exercise: A vocabulary exercise using terms like “sacred,” “holy,” “saint,” “sacrificial,” and “divine” helps students deepen their understanding of how religious imagery is used in the play. This exercise encourages students to apply these terms in their own analysis.

Reflection Questions: Thought-provoking questions prompt students to reflect on the nature of Romeo and Juliet’s love, whether it is more tragic or divine, and how the concept of sacrifice plays a role in their relationship.

This resource is ideal for GCSE, English Literature teachers looking for a structured, comprehensive approach to teaching the theme of love in Romeo and Juliet. It encourages deep, thoughtful analysis while providing clear, accessible support for students developing their essay-writing skills. Perfect for classroom activities, homework assignments, and revision sessions.