Mr. Shae’s class is having a discussion about the writings of Shakespeare. One student says

Mr. Shae’s class is having a discussion about the writings of Shakespeare. One student says, “One theme found in Romeo and Juliet is that love can cause violence. Although the play is a famous love story, it is actually very violent.”

A. “Who is the most romantic character in Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet?”

B. “What are some specific examples of love causing violence in Romeo and Juliet?”

C. “Who were the most violent characters in this classic Shakespeare play?”

D. “What are some symbols used by Shakespeare to depict love and violence?”

Answer: B. “What are some specific examples of love causing violence in Romeo and Juliet?”

This question is the most appropriate follow-up to the student’s statement because it directly addresses and expands on the theme mentioned: the aspects of love and violence interwoven in the theme of William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet. It obliges students to back up this statement with examples from the play thus pushing their critical and analytical skills.

This way, Mr. Shae challenges students to analyze and explicate Shakespeare’s presentation of love and violence in the play more thoroughly. This question can result in a thoughtful analysis of numerous episodes in the story which are connected with violence encouraged or provoked by love. For example, students can discuss the fight between Tybalt and Mercutio which is caused by the ancient enmity of the Capulet and Montague families as well as Romeo’s love for Juliet, which resulted in both of them’s deaths. They could also talk of Romeo having killed Tybalt in revenge, which act was induced by love towards his friend, Mercutio.

Other topics might involve analysis of the two feuding families that surround the main theme of Rico and Juliet involved in violent animations or the violent culmination of the lover’s tragic suicide that is caused by their passion. This question lets the students complicate the notion of love and violence by exploring how Shakespeare ties them together.

The type of question posed by Mr. Shae to his students, which includes asking for specific illustrations, creates student voice; improves student comprehension of the themes and techniques Shakespeare used in writing; and enriches the analysis of the literary text.