First:

Consider each of the following questions and write a post in your blog inspired by your thinking.

1. What stories, plays, or TV shows have you seen in which a young couple in love were determined to have their happiness? How did they turn out? Compare two that you remember. Describe some of the features you think were either similar or different.
2. Most people think that it is necessary for us to control our emotions if society is to be reasonable and safe. However, there are times when people act emotionally. What are some of the feelings that cause people to:
   • fight with each other?
   • defend a friend no matter what?
   • fall in love with each other?
   • fear or resist authority?
   • harm themselves or others?
   • decide if it is better to avoid a confrontation than encourage one?
   • decide not to “take the law into their own hands,” even though they believe they have been wronged?
3. Can a person really decide that he or she is going to fall in love with another person?
4. If you are familiar with horoscopes, comment on why some people might like to read them.
5. When you have an argument with somebody, how do you attempt to resolve it?
6. When an adult tells you, “I don’t think you should do that,” how do you usually respond?
7. Sometimes there is a fine line between deciding, “Yes I will” and “No, I will not.” Explain how you decide between the two.

These questions raise important ideas for discussion such as love, hate, friendship, emotion, and reason. These are all important themes in Romeo and Juliet. 

Next:

But before you blast ahead and read Shakespeare, start with a bit of background mythology.

Read Pyramus and Thisbe:

Comment on any three of your classmates posts connecting ideas they raised with ideas you encountered in the myth of Pyramus and Thisbe.