The Mongols

After what we've discussed so far and what we learned about the Mongols, has your opinion of them changed?  Do you think that the Mongols had a positive influence on the world or a negative effect?  Also, why do you think the Mongols never kept records of important dates and history or created impressive artwork like European countries?  Why do you think Europe's world view of civilization is different from Asia's at the time?

The Fall of the Mongolian Empire

The mongolian empire prospered between the time of Ghangas Khan's rule and his grandson, Kublai Khan's rule. They conquered vast parts of China, Persia, Iran, and several other countries in Asia. Each country, however, did not know that the other ones existed until Genghis Khan came to power. But, like all previous empires and dynasties, the Mongolian empire came to an end. What factors lead to their downfall of the Mongolian Empire? What role did the empire’s leader, Kublai Khan, have in its ultimate demise? 

Role of Fate in Macbeth

Consider the role of fate in Macbeth. The witches represent fate, and all of their prophecies about Macbeth come true. But is fate responsible for the violence/murder that ensues throughout the play? How much does fate truly control in the play? How responsible are the characters themselves? Also, did fate predict the violence in the play, or could it have been avoided?

Theme of Darkness in R&J and Shakespeare's Sonnets

The discussion of night and darkness is a reoccurring theme throughout Shakespeare's sonnets. Using your knowledge of Romeo and Juliet, explain how the sonnets support/ compare to the discussion of darkness in the play. (Think about how the balcony scene in R&J happened at night!) Some key sonnets to maybe look at: LXXIII, XLIII, and XXVII.