A comparative essay comparing the contexts of “Romeo and Juliet” the play by William Shakespeare and “Romeo + Juliet” the film by Baz Luhrmann.

The essay question: How does context impact the composition of a text?

Write a comparative essay (850-1000 words) which analyses the way context has influenced the language and representation of ideas in two different versions of William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”. You must compare William Shakespeare’s play to Baz Luhrmann’s film.

– Use sophisticated and formal language.
– The first sentence should be the answer to the question.

Criteria:
– Compare the representation of context in two different versions of Romeo and Juliet (the film and the play)
– Exhibit a sophisticated understanding of the ways that Shakespeare has been reinterpreted over time through sophisticated analysis of language forms and features
– Construct an essay that examines two versions of Romeo and Juliet for the purposes of understanding, interpretation, critical analysis, imaginative expression and pleasure.
– Communicate the differences and similarities of ideas represented in a pair of texts (the film and the play).

Marking Guideline to receive an A:
• Compares in a sophisticated manner, the representation of context in the film version and play version of Romeo and Juliet.
• Demonstrates a sophisticated ability to communicate the differences and similarities of ideas represented in the pair of texts.
• Exhibits a sophisticated understanding of the ways Shakespeare has been reinterpreted over time through sophisticated analysis of language forms and features.
• Constructs a sophisticated essay, providing critical analysis, using appropriate conventions, language and grammatical features.

Areas to be assessed:
Writing; Interpretive, imaginative and critical thinking; Expressive views

Essay Planning Tool and Essay Scaffold will be attached.