Year 8 · English · Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet · Lesson 4
The turning point
Act 3 Scene 1, the turning point: Mercutio's death and curse, Romeo killing Tybalt, banishment, ‘fortune's fool’, and Capulet's anger.
22-minute video lesson
Teaching, worked examples and 20 practice questions solved step by step.
Watch free for a monthWhat your child will learn
- Describe the events of Act 3 Scene 1
- Analyse Mercutio's curse and pun
- Explain ‘fortune's fool’ and fate
- Explain why this is the turning point
- Analyse Capulet's anger
The method
- Know the key events of Act 3 Scene 1.
- Identify techniques: pun, curse, metaphor, pathetic fallacy.
- Explain what they show about character or fate.
- Explain why this scene is the turning point.
Key words: turning point, pun, curse, fate, banished, pathetic fallacy, tragedy.
Worked examples
The first three practice questions from the lesson, with every step.
Question 1
Who is Mercutio?
- Step 1: Romeo's best friend
- Step 2: Witty and fiery; related to the Prince, not a Montague
Answer: Romeo's witty best friend
Question 2
Who kills Mercutio?
- Step 1: Tybalt
- Step 2: Under Romeo's arm, as Romeo tries to stop the fight
Answer: Tybalt
Question 3
Who kills Tybalt, and why?
- Step 1: Romeo
- Step 2: Revenge for Mercutio's death
Answer: Romeo, to avenge Mercutio