Fate V. Free Will Essential Questions: What roles do fate and free will play in our lives? How do outside factors, such as society and biology, influence our ideas about fate and free will? How does literature inform our ideas about fate and free will? How do logical reasons and evidence strengthen an argument?

“A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life;” In Shakespeare’s day, many people attributed their lot in life to be directly influenced by the stars. In other words, they were powerless to change their situations. In the play, Shakespeare is winking at the audience as he lays out a series of rash decisions, emotional overreactions and good, old fashioned meddling that leads to the demise of characters that believe destiny has brought them along.

Astrology Video Clip Zodiac Signs—Adjusted questions Does your sign descriptor accurately pertain to your personality? Do you have the impulse to behave according to the descriptor or do the opposite? Explain. Do the stars affect our character and control our lives? Elaborate.

Quotations—Fate and Free Will In small groups, examine the quote provided. Paraphrase the quote and identify the central idea. Quickly share out.

Fate V. Free Will Quotations Does one viewpoint seem to be more popular than another? If so, which one? Why do you think this might be? Which speakers share similar viewpoints? In what ways do they express their thoughts in the same way? What differences do you notice in how they share their ideas? Which speakers do you feel present their thoughts most effectively? Cite evidence to support your answer. Did any of the quotations change your own thoughts about fate and free will? If so, what caused you to reconsider your viewpoint? After all quotations have been presented and discussed, have groups vote on which quote best represents their own ideas on fate and free will.

Outside Factors Caste System clip Family, Genes, Gender

Pyramus and Thisbe Read text ahead of time? Homework?

Questioning: Pyramus and Thisbe What outside factors influenced the lives of Pyramus and Thisbe? (family, society, gender) What examples of the role of fate did you find in the story? (Answers will vary. Sample response: Pyramus and Thisbe didn’t choose the families they were born into.) What examples of the role of free will did you find in the story? (Answers will vary. Sample response: The characters chose to end their lives.) Do you think the author is saying that our lives are shaped by fate, free will, or both? (Both.)

Question to consider: Has your opinion changed as to which factor you believe has the most influence on your life? Why or why not? How do outside forces influence your belief in fate or free will?

Prologue Revisited Prologue Video clip Romeo and Juliet Quotations

Pyramus and Thisbe (Take out parenthetical answers) What outside factors influenced the lives of Pyramus and Thisbe? (family, society, gender) What examples of the role of fate did you find in the story? (Answers will vary. Sample response: Pyramus and Thisbe didn’t choose the families they were born into.) What examples of the role of free will did you find in the story? (Answers will vary. Sample response: The characters chose to end their lives.) Do you think the author is saying that our lives are shaped by fate, free will, or both? (Both.)

Romeo and Juliet Quotations Handout Does the speaker believe in fate, free will, or a combination of both? How does the speaker present his or her ideas? Is it through examples or figurative language, such as metaphors or similes? How effectively does the author’s word choice convey ideas on fate and free will? What outside factors may have influenced the course of events? (involvement of friends, parents’ stubbornness and adherence to their social classes, gendered socialization impacts characters’ views about marriage)

Question to Consider: How does literature reflect our ideas about fate and free will? In what way are your ideas about life reflected by the literature you read today?

Argument Reminder A claim – “What I believe” Reasons – “Why I believe this” Evidence – “Why my beliefs are valid” Counterargument – “What others think” Rebuttal – “Why they’re wrong”