Bitesize GCSE English Literature - Romeo and Juliet - Individual vs Society

Overview

• Episode Title: Individual vs Society
• Participants: Hollie and Testament
• Length: 11 minutes
• Release Date: March 22, 2023
• Availability: Available for over a year

Key Discussion Points

Theme of Individual vs Society

• Exploration of the tension between personal desires and societal expectations in "Romeo and Juliet."
• The protagonists, Romeo and Juliet, represent individual desires that conflict with societal norms.
• Examination of how societal rules and family expectations shape the characters' destinies.

Characters and Conflict

• Romeo and Juliet: Embodiments of individual desires clashing with powerful family and social structures.
• Families (Capulet and Montague): Represent societal expectations and longstanding conflicts.

Societal Expectations and Consequences

• How societal pressures contribute to the tragedy of the play.
• Discussion on the impact of family honor and societal norms depicted in the play.
• The role of authority figures such as Prince Escalus in upholding societal rules.

Conclusion

• The episode delves into how Shakespeare portrays the struggle between individual desires and societal expectations through dramatic conflicts in "Romeo and Juliet."
• It emphasizes the relevance of these themes in understanding the motivations and ultimate fate of the characters.