I. Discussion about love
Aim: What is love?
Motivation: The students will use a semantic map to direct students'
attention to the topic of love. Short answers from students will be elicited.
Example: The teacher will write the word LOVE on the board. Students will
be asked to bring in related words or short sentences.
The teacher can introduce various quotes on love and literary fragments
dealing with this subject. Some examples:
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"For hatred does not cease by hatred at any time: hatred ceases by
love-this is the eternal law". The Pali Canon (India), 500-250 B.C.
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"One word frees us from all the weight and pain of life: That word
is love". Sophocles, (Greece), Oedipus, 495-406 B.C.
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"Love conquers all things. Let us too surrender to love". Virgil
(Rome), 70-19 B.C.
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"The eyes, those silent tongues of love". Cervantes (Spain), 1547-1616.
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"My only love sprung from my only hate;
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Too early seen unknown, and known too late!" William Shakespeare (England),
Romeo and Juliet, 1564-1616.
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"For stormy limits cannot hold love out". William Shakespeare (England),
Romeo and Juliet, 1564-1616.
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"But love is blind and lovers cannot see
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The pretty follies that themselves commit". William Shakespeare, Merchant
of Venice (England), 1564-1616.
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"Speak low if you speak love". William Shakespeare, (England), Much
Ado About Nothing, 1564-1616.
After the introduction and the reading of these quotes (by teacher and
by the students individual and in groups) the teacher will ask questions
following these directions:
- What does this author (passage) tell us about love?
- What kind of love is presented here? How many kinds of love do you
know?
- Write the definition of love.
- Is the meaning of love different in your country as compared to the
United States? If yes, why is that so?
- Is love important to you? Why? Explain.
- Does the meaning of love change when you grow older? Why?
- Is the meaning of love for you associated with any image, experience
or childhood memory?
- Why is love so important for so many people?
- Are there any differences between real-life love and fictional love
(as portrayed in movies and literature)?
The presentation of famous literary quotes may come along very well
with the viewing of famous paintings and other visual art products (classic
and modern) on the topic of love. There are art albums that can be borrowed
from the school's Teacher Center or the school library.
Note: Some of these quotes about love will be later used for the Task
4 of the regents (Critical Lens composition).
Homework assignments:
1. Narrate your first love.
2. Narrate the best (most touching) real love story you've ever heard.
3. Narrate the fictional love story (movie or book) that impressed
you the most.
Resources:
