Lately, when I teach Romeo and Juliet, I find myself before students who don't believe Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers are in love.
"They aren't in love, you Know."
Usually the class's alpha female says this, though I've seen even the most introverted student hit an internal breaking point and blurt, "Can I just say something?!" Once it's said, a collective sigh usually follows.
"They aren't?"
That's not how I should respond. As their teacher, I should say, "That's interesting, especially since the play is often called 'the greatest love story ever told.' Can you take us to a place in the text that supports your view?" I don't, though. I'm always unnerved. ...