Literary Debate Prompts

Choose one of the following prompts to debate with your partner. Remember to argue both the "pro" and "con" sides, focusing on empathy and active listening.

Prompt 1: Character's Actions

"Hamlet's indecisiveness is his greatest flaw, leading to the tragedy."

• Pro: Argue that Hamlet's hesitation and overthinking directly cause the tragic events.
• Con: Argue that external circumstances, the actions of others, or his moral compass are more to blame than his indecisiveness.

Prompt 2: Author's Message

"F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby primarily criticizes the American Dream."

• Pro: Argue that the novel exposes the corruption, superficiality, and unattainability of the American Dream.
• Con: Argue that the novel's main message lies elsewhere (e.g., love, class struggle, the past's influence) or that it celebrates certain aspects of the American Dream.

Prompt 3: Theme Interpretation

"In Romeo and Juliet, fate, rather than human choice, is the primary force driving the tragic ending."

• Pro: Argue that prophecies, omens, and coincidences demonstrate the lovers' destiny was sealed regardless of their actions.
• Con: Argue that the characters' impulsive decisions, family feuds, and poor communication are the true causes of their demise.

Prompt 4: Modern Relevance

"The themes explored in George Orwell's 1984 are more relevant today than ever before."

• Pro: Argue that issues like surveillance, government control, and misinformation are increasingly prevalent in contemporary society.
• Con: Argue that while aspects remain relevant, the novel's specific context or certain themes are less applicable to modern times.

Partner Debate Activity: Debating with Empathy

Objective:

To practice constructing persuasive arguments and responding empathetically to counterarguments.

Instructions:

1. Find a Partner: Work in pairs.
2. Choose a Prompt: Select one of the Literary Debate Prompts to discuss.
3. Assign Sides: Decide who will argue the "Pro" side and who will argue the "Con" side. You might flip a coin or simply choose.
4. Prepare Your Argument (5 minutes):
   • Individually, take a few minutes to gather your thoughts and bullet points for your assigned side of the argument.
   • Think about the strongest points for your side and anticipate potential counterarguments from your partner.
5. Debate (10-15 minutes):
   • Take turns presenting your arguments (2-3 minutes per person for the initial statement).
   • Listen Actively: When your partner is speaking, truly listen to understand their point of view. Do not just wait for your turn to speak.
   • Respond with Empathy: After your partner presents, acknowledge their points before offering your rebuttal. For example: "I understand why you believe [partner's point], and I agree that [some common ground], however, I would argue..."
   • Keep the discussion respectful and focused on the ideas, not personal attacks.
   • Aim for a constructive dialogue where both partners feel heard and understood, even if you still disagree.
6. Reflection (After the activity):
   • Consider the effectiveness of your own arguments.
   • Reflect on how well you listened and responded empathetically.
   • Think about what you learned from your partner's perspective.

Key things to remember:

• Active Listening is crucial. Show your partner you are engaged by nodding, making eye contact, and summarizing their points.
• Empathy means trying to understand why your partner holds their view, even if it differs from yours.
• Tone matters! Keep your voice calm and respectful.
• The goal is understanding and effective communication, not necessarily "winning" the debate.