Question
Students write a letter/email as Romeo or Juliet to a modern podcaster (like "On Purpose with Jay Shetty" for example).
Example Message: "Dear Jay, my parents don’t approve of my boyfriend, and now I’m in a mess. What should I do?"
2. Then, they write a response as the podcaster as if they were giving modern-day advice.
3.Character’s Letter/Email : Clearly written from a character’s perspective with a realistic conflict from the play. The message is detailed and focuses on character traits, foreshadowing tragedy, character flaws, the roles of fate vs. free will and irony of the circumstances. -10 points
4. Advice Message from Podcaster: Advice is thoughtful, realistic, and appropriate to the situation and podcaster. -10 points
5. Connection to the Play: The letter and response make strong connections to events in Romeo & Juliet.- 10 points
6. Grammar & Mechanics: Few to no errors; writing is clear, formal, appropriate and polished. -10 points
Example Message: "Dear Jay, my parents don’t approve of my boyfriend, and now I’m in a mess. What should I do?"
2. Then, they write a response as the podcaster as if they were giving modern-day advice.
3.Character’s Letter/Email : Clearly written from a character’s perspective with a realistic conflict from the play. The message is detailed and focuses on character traits, foreshadowing tragedy, character flaws, the roles of fate vs. free will and irony of the circumstances. -10 points
4. Advice Message from Podcaster: Advice is thoughtful, realistic, and appropriate to the situation and podcaster. -10 points
5. Connection to the Play: The letter and response make strong connections to events in Romeo & Juliet.- 10 points
6. Grammar & Mechanics: Few to no errors; writing is clear, formal, appropriate and polished. -10 points
Answers
GPT-4o mini
**Character’s Letter:**
Subject: A Heart in Turmoil
Dear Jay,
I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing to share a struggle that weighs heavily on my heart, and I desperately seek your wisdom. I am Juliet Capulet, a young woman trapped in a world shaped by the rigid expectations of my family. I have fallen deeply in love with Romeo, a Montague—a rival to my family, and therein lies my turmoil.
At a grand masquerade, I was swept away by his presence; it was as if a force beyond my control guided us to one another. But now, our families’ feud has become a barricade between us, and my parents are pressing me to marry Paris, a suitor who does not possess my heart. They cannot understand the depth of my feelings for Romeo, as our love seems fated but thwarted by circumstance. The gravity of their expectations feels suffocating.
In seeking my own happiness, I find myself ensnared in a web of social pressure and family loyalty. I fear that my rebellion against their wishes could lead to dire consequences. Isn't it ironic how love, which should uplift us, now puts me in jeopardy? Do I obey my parents' commands and forsake my true love, or do I take the path of defiance, embracing the very tragedy that seems written in the stars?
I hope you can offer guidance. How do I navigate this chasm between my obligations and my desires without losing myself in the process?
Forever grateful,
Juliet
---
**Podcaster’s Response:**
Subject: Re: A Heart in Turmoil
Dear Juliet,
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your deeply heartfelt struggle. I hear the weight of your emotions and the challenging dichotomy you are experiencing. It’s clear that you are a person of strong conviction, capable of feeling profoundly, and that is both a gift and a challenge in your situation.
In matters of love, particularly one so beautifully intense yet fraught with tensions such as yours, the conflict between following your heart and adhering to familial expectations often creates immense pressure. You are facing a critical choice: do you march to the beat of your own drum, or do you conform to the societal expectations placed upon you?
In considering your love for Romeo, recognize that love can indeed clash with external forces like family loyalty and feuds. But love also demands courage, and sometimes, it requires us to face consequences head-on. Speak to your parents honestly about your feelings. They may not understand it now, but raw honesty and vulnerability can sometimes bridge even the starkest divides.
Simultaneously, evaluate the reality of your situation and the potential risks involved. Are you prepared to face the backlash? It’s easy to overlook the consequences when you’re consumed by passion. Decisions made in a flurry of emotion can lead to irreversible outcomes.
Lastly, remember that while it may feel like fate is dictating your path, you have the power to influence your destiny. Your free will is at play here. Explore your desires while also being vigilant about the choices you are making. If Romeo truly is your soulmate, he will support you through these challenges.
Navigating love amidst family strife is daunting; do so with care and be mindful of the potential fallout. Whatever path you choose, stay true to yourself.
Wishing you clarity and courage,
Jay
---
**Connections to the Play:**
In this exchange, Juliet’s message echoes the tragic elements of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” She grapples with forbidden love and familial expectations—central themes of the play. Her letter foreshadows the tragic consequences of their love, highlighting the irony of pursuing happiness amid hostility. The response from Jay offers a modern lens on navigating such conflicts, reminding readers that while love can inspire, it also invites complexity and, at times, heartbreak. The tension between fate and free will arises as both characters recognize the implications of their choices against the backdrop of their warring families.
**Grammar & Mechanics:**
The writing maintains clarity and formality throughout, with appropriate structure, grammar, and polished language, aligning with the assignment's requirements.
Subject: A Heart in Turmoil
Dear Jay,
I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing to share a struggle that weighs heavily on my heart, and I desperately seek your wisdom. I am Juliet Capulet, a young woman trapped in a world shaped by the rigid expectations of my family. I have fallen deeply in love with Romeo, a Montague—a rival to my family, and therein lies my turmoil.
At a grand masquerade, I was swept away by his presence; it was as if a force beyond my control guided us to one another. But now, our families’ feud has become a barricade between us, and my parents are pressing me to marry Paris, a suitor who does not possess my heart. They cannot understand the depth of my feelings for Romeo, as our love seems fated but thwarted by circumstance. The gravity of their expectations feels suffocating.
In seeking my own happiness, I find myself ensnared in a web of social pressure and family loyalty. I fear that my rebellion against their wishes could lead to dire consequences. Isn't it ironic how love, which should uplift us, now puts me in jeopardy? Do I obey my parents' commands and forsake my true love, or do I take the path of defiance, embracing the very tragedy that seems written in the stars?
I hope you can offer guidance. How do I navigate this chasm between my obligations and my desires without losing myself in the process?
Forever grateful,
Juliet
---
**Podcaster’s Response:**
Subject: Re: A Heart in Turmoil
Dear Juliet,
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your deeply heartfelt struggle. I hear the weight of your emotions and the challenging dichotomy you are experiencing. It’s clear that you are a person of strong conviction, capable of feeling profoundly, and that is both a gift and a challenge in your situation.
In matters of love, particularly one so beautifully intense yet fraught with tensions such as yours, the conflict between following your heart and adhering to familial expectations often creates immense pressure. You are facing a critical choice: do you march to the beat of your own drum, or do you conform to the societal expectations placed upon you?
In considering your love for Romeo, recognize that love can indeed clash with external forces like family loyalty and feuds. But love also demands courage, and sometimes, it requires us to face consequences head-on. Speak to your parents honestly about your feelings. They may not understand it now, but raw honesty and vulnerability can sometimes bridge even the starkest divides.
Simultaneously, evaluate the reality of your situation and the potential risks involved. Are you prepared to face the backlash? It’s easy to overlook the consequences when you’re consumed by passion. Decisions made in a flurry of emotion can lead to irreversible outcomes.
Lastly, remember that while it may feel like fate is dictating your path, you have the power to influence your destiny. Your free will is at play here. Explore your desires while also being vigilant about the choices you are making. If Romeo truly is your soulmate, he will support you through these challenges.
Navigating love amidst family strife is daunting; do so with care and be mindful of the potential fallout. Whatever path you choose, stay true to yourself.
Wishing you clarity and courage,
Jay
---
**Connections to the Play:**
In this exchange, Juliet’s message echoes the tragic elements of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” She grapples with forbidden love and familial expectations—central themes of the play. Her letter foreshadows the tragic consequences of their love, highlighting the irony of pursuing happiness amid hostility. The response from Jay offers a modern lens on navigating such conflicts, reminding readers that while love can inspire, it also invites complexity and, at times, heartbreak. The tension between fate and free will arises as both characters recognize the implications of their choices against the backdrop of their warring families.
**Grammar & Mechanics:**
The writing maintains clarity and formality throughout, with appropriate structure, grammar, and polished language, aligning with the assignment's requirements.