Part A

Question

What is a theme of William Tell?

Responses

Change happens most quickly through cooperation, not conflict.
Change happens most quickly through cooperation, not conflict.

One should place the needs of others before one’s own needs.
One should place the needs of others before one’s own needs.

Some people can only learn through negative consequences.
Some people can only learn through negative consequences.

Change can be achieved by just a few motivated people.
Change can be achieved by just a few motivated people.
Question 2
Part B

How is the theme identified in Part A developed in the play?

Responses

When Tell takes Albert into Altdorf, the boy insists that they buy toys to bring home for his younger brother.
When Tell takes Albert into Altdorf, the boy insists that they buy toys to bring home for his younger brother.

When Tell is confronted by Gessler, he follows instructions as he is told and Gessler allows him to go free.
When Tell is confronted by Gessler, he follows instructions as he is told and Gessler allows him to go free.

When Tell’s wife doubts he can make a difference, Tell explains to her that small efforts can lead to important outcomes.
When Tell’s wife doubts he can make a difference, Tell explains to her that small efforts can lead to important outcomes.

When Tell refuses to honor the cap of the Austrian emperor, Gessler is forced to place him and his son under arrest.

Answer 1

When Tell refuses to honor the cap of the Austrian emperor, it leads to a series of events where he ultimately becomes a symbol of resistance and motivation for other people to stand up against oppression. In this way, Tell's actions show that change can be achieved by just a few motivated individuals.