As an English literature teacher, it’s my responsibility to ensure my students gain an appreciation and understanding of the literary works in our syllabus. However, I’ve often found that getting students interested in the classics can be quite a challenge. This is why I decided to turn “Romeo and Juliet”—and other books on my syllabus—into a murder mystery.
Adding an element of mystery and intrigue to these literary works creates an exciting atmosphere in the classroom, sparking the students’ curiosity and encouraging them to engage with the material. Transforming what may have seemed like outdated stories into thrilling adventures helps keep their attention and opens up their imagination.
To turn “Romeo and Juliet” into a murder mystery, for example, I introduce a new character who plays the role of a detective tasked with investigating the unfortunate deaths of the young lovers. This detective delves deep into the relationships between different characters, uncovering hidden motives and deceit along the way.
By reimagining this classic tragedy as a whodunit, my students are encouraged to question everything they know about “Romeo and Juliet.” They must examine the text closely and search for clues that might reveal who could potentially be responsible for the tragic events that unfold. This approach encourages critical thinking while promoting an active engagement with Shakespeare’s themes.
Similarly, when tackling other books on our syllabus like Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” or Harper Lee’s “To Kill A Mockingbird,” I adopt this murder mystery strategy. Whether it’s finding out who is plotting against Elizabeth Bennet or investigating racial prejudice in Maycomb County, my students eagerly embrace their roles as detectives seizing on textual evidence to build their cases.
Furthermore, this approach allows me to integrate various elements of creative writing into our lessons. As students work to piece together the unfolding mystery, I encourage them to develop alternate endings and re-write pivotal scenes. This not only develops their writing skills but also reinforces a deep understanding of the characters, plot development, and themes present in each literary work.
By turning “Romeo and Juliet” and other books on my syllabus into murder mysteries, I have witnessed a marked improvement in my students’ enthusiasm for reading and discussing these stories. They have developed a newfound appreciation for classical literature and engaged with the material in a way they never had before. Sharing their findings, interpretations, and theories about these new mysteries has become a rewarding and entertaining part of our learning experience.
