Alternate Endings: The Power of Choice in Literature
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we change the fate of Romeo and Juliet through different character choices, and what does this tell us about the role of free will in shaping outcomes and themes in literature?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How do the choices made by characters alter the plot and outcome of a story?
- In what ways does free will play a role in the fate of individuals in literature?
- How might a different decision by a character change the theme or message of a narrative?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Analyze the role of fate and free will in the outcome of Romeo and Juliet.
- Create alternate narratives by changing the characters' decisions and examining the new outcomes.
- Understand how different character choices can alter the themes and messages in literature.
- Cite textual evidence to support changes in character decisions and outcomes.
- Engage in collaborative discussions to explore various interpretations of character actions.
Common Core Standards
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsSurvival Diaries from Verona
Ask students to imagine they are residents of Verona during the time of 'Romeo and Juliet.' Begin by reading 'diary entries' from different perspectives, then challenge them to write their own diaries noting how different character choices would impact their daily lives, making the story deeply personal and relatable.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Character Choice Explorer
Students delve into 'Romeo and Juliet' to understand the key decisions made by characters and how these decisions impact the narrative. This exploration lays the groundwork for altering character choices.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA worksheet listing pivotal character decisions and their impact on the plot.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.1 as students cite textual evidence to analyze character decisions.Fate vs. Free Will Debate
Engage students in a debate focusing on fate versus free will in 'Romeo and Juliet.' This builds critical thinking and provides multiple perspectives on the characters' decisions.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA debate performance discussing fate and free will using evidence from the text.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1 as students engage in collaborative discussions.Alternate Ending Planner
Students brainstorm and outline alternate endings for 'Romeo and Juliet' based on different character choices, emphasizing creativity and narrative structure.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn outline of an alternate ending for 'Romeo and Juliet' based on a changed decision.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.3 as students develop narratives with effective technique and structured event sequences.Alternate Narrative Writing
Craft and write a full alternate narrative for 'Romeo and Juliet' using the pre-planned outlines, allowing students to explore different possibilities and enrich their writing skills.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA complete narrative that showcases an alternative version of 'Romeo and Juliet' driven by a new character choice.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.3 as students write narratives to develop imagined experiences.Impact Analysis Essay
Reflect on the process of creating an alternate ending by discussing how changes in character decisions impact overall themes and messages in literature.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA reflective essay analyzing the impact of character decisions on themes and messages in literature.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.1 by requiring textual evidence and analysis of themes.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioAlternate Endings Assessment Rubric
Textual Analysis and Evidence
Assessment of students' ability to cite and analyze textual evidence to support character decisions and thematic analysis.Use of Textual Evidence
How effectively students use specific examples from the text to support their arguments and narratives.
Exemplary
4 PointsEffectively integrates more than three well-chosen textual examples to support sophisticated arguments and narratives.
Proficient
3 PointsIntegrates at least three clear textual examples to support arguments and narratives.
Developing
2 PointsUses one or two relevant textual examples, though integration and relevance may be inconsistent.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides minimal or no relevant textual examples; examples may be irrelevant or insufficiently connected to arguments or narratives.
Critical Thinking and Analysis
Evaluation of students' analytical skills when discussing character decisions and their impact on themes.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates sophisticated analysis of character decisions and their thematic implications, providing insightful critiques.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides clear analysis of character decisions and their impact on themes, with logical reasoning and clarity.
Developing
2 PointsOffers basic analysis with limited depth; connections between decisions and themes may be unclear or underdeveloped.
Beginning
1 PointsOffers little to no critical analysis; connections between decisions and themes are largely unexplored.
Narrative Development and Creativity
Assessment of students' creativity and narrative skills in crafting alternate endings.Narrative Structure and Technique
The organization and creativity in developing an alternate ending narrative using effective storytelling methods.
Exemplary
4 PointsCrafts a creative and well-structured narrative with seamless integration of dialogue, description, and logical event sequence.
Proficient
3 PointsDevelops a coherent and structured narrative with effective use of dialogue and description.
Developing
2 PointsDevelops a basic narrative with some structure; may lack in coherence or originality.
Beginning
1 PointsProduces a narrative with little structure or creativity; lacks coherence and significant elements of storytelling.
Reflective Analysis of Themes
Evaluating the student's ability to reflect on thematic changes brought by alternate endings.Reflection and Thematic Understanding
The depth of reflection on how alternate endings alter the themes and messages of the play.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a profound reflection on thematic changes, illustrating a nuanced understanding with well-supported examples.
Proficient
3 PointsOffers a clear, well-supported reflection on thematic changes and message alterations.
Developing
2 PointsContains basic reflection on themes; may include generalizations or lack of detailed support.
Beginning
1 PointsLacks critical reflection or understanding of thematic changes.
Engagement in Collaborative Discussions
Evaluation of student participation and contribution in debates and discussions.Discussion Participation
The effectiveness of participation in structured debates and collaborative discussions related to fate and free will.
Exemplary
4 PointsActively leads and contributes to discussions with insightful arguments, respectfully engaging with diverse perspectives.
Proficient
3 PointsParticipates actively with clear, respectful contributions and effective engagement with diverse viewpoints.
Developing
2 PointsParticipates occasionally with basic contributions; may rely on others to drive the discussion.
Beginning
1 PointsRarely participates and needs support to engage in discussions; contributions may be limited or off-topic.