Seize the Day Lesson Plan

Do you sympathize with Wilhelm? Why or why not?

Students may have different responses to this prompt. In many ways, Wilhelm is an incredibly frustrating and unlikable protagonist. He always makes terrible decisions, he is incredibly gullible, he apparently has left his wife and children, and he gambles away what few resources remain. At the same time, suffers in ways that may be familiar to many - he cares deeply about what others, in particular his father, think of him. He feels shame and embarrassment and has taken such large risks in the faint hope of recovering. Students may also discuss whether they think protagonists should always be likable and how this affects...