Fate vs. Free Will Answer Key

In this worksheet, students analyze three excerpts from Romeo and Juliet to explore the theme of fate versus free will. They examine each passage and identify textual evidence that supports the influence of fate as well as evidence that suggests the characters exercise free will. Students record their findings in a chart and then provide explanations that connect the evidence to their interpretation of the theme. This activity strengthens students’ ability to work with complex text, identify thematic elements, and support ideas with direct quotes. It also encourages deeper thinking about how Shakespeare weaves multiple forces into the lovers’ tragic outcome.

Curriculum Matched Skills

English Language Arts – Analyzing Theme in Literature

English Language Arts – Using Textual Evidence

English Language Arts – Literary Interpretation and Reasoning

English Language Arts – Comparing Ideas Across Text Excerpts

English Language Arts – Understanding Character Motivation

This worksheet is part of our Classic Literature Worksheets collection.