Violent Delights and Violent Ends: Romeo and Juliet

Exemplars

James

James' group reproduced the 'balcony scene' from Romeo and Juliet, deciding to retain the original 15 century setting. 

James' portrayal of Romeo gained 'achieved' because:

·	he took part in the performance, 
·	he could be clearly heard, 
·	he varied his intonation appropriately especially when he delivered his most intimate lines to Juliet  ("Lady, by yonder blessed moon I vow") at which point  he became quieter and more serious, 
·	he used pace well to convey a sense of breathless, youthful energy earlier in the scene ("By love's light wings did I o'erperch these walls"), 
·	he used little or no body language - even his kiss of Juliet appeared wooden and perfunctory. 

To 'achieve with merit' James needs to be encouraged to make much greater use of gesture and body language to augment his reasonably confident use of voice. 

See the assessment schedule (see assessment.rtf). 

Please tell us whether you agree with this decision and if not, why not. 

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Leilani

Leilani's group chose the scene where Romeo and Juliet first meet at the Capulet's "ball". However, they chose as their setting a modern 'typical' New Zealand teenage party with Juliet being a Pacific Islander and Romeo, Pakeha. 

Leilani achieved with merit because:

·	She took part in the performance 
·	she was clearly audible and used variations in  intonation, pace and pitch with considerable confidence to portray a shy, innocent Juliet unused to advances such as Romeo's ("Ay pilgrim, lips that they must use in prayer"). She also used voice, gesture and body language  effectively  to convey her nervousness at Romeo's  advances - she was obviously  very aware of the delicate  situation she was in her family home. 

To 'achieve with excellence' Leilani could have portrayed a more complex Juliet, eg. one who was both shy and nervous  but also flattered and a little more flirtatious. 

See the assessment schedule (see assessment.rtf). 

Please tell us whether you agree with this decision and if not, why not. 

Name: 
Email: 

© Ministry of Education, Wellington, New Zealand (First published 1998)