Discussion Starters

If you go to the discussion board section of Blackboard you will find nine discussion forums have been set up relating to various themes of Romeo and Juliet, all of which have relevance in a contemporary society.

The topics, as listed below, may also be helpful for you in practising extended responses to the text. Whether you only post on the forums, or choose to also write extended responses for your blog, you should aim to make direct reference to the play.

• Love vs. Lust: Romeo and Juliet are obsessed, infatuated, out of control, and irrational. Sounds like lust to me.


• Prejudice: The feuding families create tension and conflict, not unlike feuding cultures in today's society.


• The Role of Fate: Shakespeare calls the two lovers "star-crossed." Does fate, however, play a greater role than the numerous stupid choices made by Romeo and Juliet.


• Book Smarts vs. Street Smarts: Friar Lawrence knew a lot. Most of it was useless. After all, he had no real world experience. He just walked around all day collecting herbs.


• Suicide: It's the gigantic green elephant in the room. You might as well talk about it.


• The Role of Women: Verona society did not hold much for women, which makes Juliet's strength stand out even more.


• The Role of a Husband: Romeo's weakness dooms the relationship from the start.


• Friendship: Romeo's friend, Mercutio, causes his banishment. His other friend, Friar Lawrence, causes his death. Juliet's friend, the Nurse, abandons her in her time of need.


• Communication: Juliet and her father need to sit down and have a nice long talk.