Question

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.”

Which would be an appropriate follow-up question to ask this student?

“Who is the most romantic character in Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet?”
“What are some specific examples of love causing violence in Romeo and Juliet?”
“Who were the most violent characters in this classic Shakespeare play?”
“What are some symbols used by Shakespeare to depict love and violence?”

Answer 1

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

Answer 2

In order to follow a question up there are specific keywords that have to be taken into consideration. The main idea of the student that talks is that Romeo and Juliet is a love story, but is a story that very violent. Therefore the keywords will be love and violence. The first question is not correct as it only focuses on love and does not mention violence. The third question is not correct for the same before mentioned reasons, as it focuses on violence and does not mention love. The last question will become very specific is it will need to use symbols to explain love and violence and thus use specific passages of the story to be answered, this will be an excellent question for an essay as it needs argumentation, but as a follow up question is not easy to answer. The best question will be the third one: “What are some specific examples of love causing violence in Romeo and Juliet?” it mentions love, violence, it may be answer by remembering the story, and it invites fellow classmates to comment on examples of the story.