10-1 Romeo and Juliet Creative Writing Rubric

Queen Mab: The Hauntress of Dreams

Act I scene iv lines 55-98 (one of Mercutio’s many eccentric

monologues) introduces us to the mythical creature Queen Mab. In his speech,
Mercutio reveals that Queen Mab isn’t your typical fairy. In fact, she’s not a
fairy at all. She is the fairies’ midwife; meaning she helps the fairies “give
birth” or “deliver” dreams into the minds of sleeping persons. As is shown by
Mercutio’s expression of utter torment throughout his speech, Queen Mab does
not deliver sweet dreams but rather delivers nightmares. She targets
“triggers” in reality (repressed desires, insecurities, anxieties, conflicts, and
hamartias/fatal flaws) and transforms these triggers into terrifying images inside the dream. This concept of dreams
representing reality was a major theory studied by psychologist Sigmund Freud, who claimed "there is a technique
which makes it possible to interpret dreams" and that the interpretation has a significant meaning to "waking life"
(Freud 35). In other words, what people dream about matters to their reality, because it’s where their mind wanders
when they aren’t “controlling” it. Dreams show us what we really want/feel; which can be scary: hence Queen
Mab.

The Assignment: Due April 30th

1. Choose a character from Romeo and Juliet
2. Brainstorm your chosen character’s “triggers” in the play; within context
➢ What are their repressed desires? Their insecurities and anxieties? What type of conflicts
are they enduring? What is their hamartia/flaw?
3. Assign each of these “triggers” a symbol or metaphor (image)
4. Imagine a dream your chosen character would have
➢ Include five of the trigger + symbols/metaphor matches you made in the dream
5. Describe and interpret the dream
➢ In the form of a transcript between your R&J character and a dream interpreter, reveal the
“hidden messages” in the dream. The transcript can be written in colloquial language.
➢ This assignment involves critical consideration of plot, characterization and symbolism
within Romeo and Juliet. Remember: your metaphors should be based on the triggers
from the original play, but should reflect your chosen character’s desired reality, rather
than their actual reality.
➢ Go beyond summary. Get creative. Delve into the realm of Queen Mab. Get your evil on.
Go haunt some dreams.

Scoring Rubric
Categories Excellent Proficient Satisfactory Limited Poor
 5 4
Formatting The transcript appears
impressively authentic (12
point TNR font, italics,
spacing, footnotes, titles
and stage directions are
effectively used). The text
is carefully edited.
Grammatical errors are
nonexistent. The full three
page / 500 word minimum
is met. The transcript is
printed.
Contextual Characterization goes
Authenticity extends beyond the
original play while
remaining realistic.
The interaction (questions
and responses) between the
R&J character and the
counsellor is capitaving
and weaved with the plot
craftily.
Choice The chosen symbols/
Symbol / metaphors are creatively
Metaphor based on the “triggers”
discussed in class.
Footnotes are provided for
every symbol/metaphor and
contain an abbreviated
justification.
Interpretation At least five
of Symbol / symbols/metaphors are
Metaphor disclosed in conversation
by the R&J character for
interpretation by the
counsellor.
The interpretations are
inquisitive and extend the
complexities of the R&J
character throughout the
session.
Formatting Checklist:
❏ 12 Point Times New Roman (TNR) font
❏ Minimum three pages / 500 words
❏ Footnotes at the bottom of the page with abbreviated explanations (A metaphor/symbol for ____.
The transcript appears
convincingly authentic (12
point TNR font, italics,
spacing, footnotes, titles and
stage directions are
consistently used). The text
is edited. A few
grammatical errors are
present. The full three page /
500 word minimum is met.
The transcript is printed.
Characterization goes
extends beyond the original
play but is somewhat
unrealistic. The interaction
(questions and responses)
between the R&J character
and the counsellor is
convincing and weaved
with the plot.
The chosen symbols/
metaphors are
appropriately based on the
“triggers” discussed in class.
Footnotes are provided for
most symbols/metaphors
and contain an abbreviated
justification.
At least five
symbols/metaphors are
disclosed in conversation by
the R&J character for
interpretation by the
counsellor.
The interpretations are
clever and explore the
complexities of the R&J
character throughout the
session.
3 2 1
The transcript appears The transcript seems The transcript seems
somewhat authentic (12 inauthentic (12 point inauthentic. The text
point TNR font, italics, TNR font, italics, is unedited.
spacing, footnotes, titles spacing, footnotes, titles Grammatical errors
and stage directions are and stage directions are are distracting. The
often used). The text is not used correctly). full three page / 500
somewhat edited. The text is unedited. word minimum is not
Grammatical errors are Grammatical errors are met and/or the
apparent. The full three frequent. The full three transcript is not
page / 500 word page / 500 word printed.
minimum is not met. The minimum is not met
transcript is printed. and/or the transcript is
not printed.
Characterization mimics Attempts to mimic Characterization is
the original play, but characterization found entirely unrealistic
remains accurate. The in the original play are and/or uncreative.
interaction (questions and evident, but the result is
responses) between the inaccurate and/or
R&J character and the uncreative.
counsellor is
appropriate and weaved
with the plot.
The chosen symbols/ The chosen symbols/ The chosen symbols/
metaphors are loosely metaphors are not based metaphors are not
based on the “triggers” on the “triggers” based on the
discussed in class. discussed in class. “triggers” discussed in
Footnotes are provided Footnotes are rarely class. Footnotes are
for some provided for not provided for
symbols/metaphors and symbols/metaphors. symbols/metaphors.
contain an abbreviated
justification.
Less than five Less than five Less than five
symbols/metaphors are symbols/metaphors are symbols/metaphors
disclosed in conversation disclosed in are disclosed in
by the R&J character for conversation by the R&J conversation by the
interpretation by the character for R&J character for
counsellor. The interpretation by the interpretation by the
interpretations are counsellor. The counsellor.
straightforward and interpretations are too The interpretations are
summarize the obvious and do not inaccurate and/or
complexities of the R&J examine complexities incomplete.
character. of the R&J character.