What is the meaning of life—and what happens when the old sources of meaning collapse? This companion set from my Philosophy in the Classroom series introduces students to Friedrich Nietzsche through two of his most teachable, discussion-provoking passages from The Gay Science (also translated as The Joyful Wisdom): “The Greatest Weight” (eternal recurrence) and “The Parable of the Madman” (“God is dead”). Students tackle big existential questions through close reading, structured discussion, and writing—supported by accessible scaffolds and optional film connections (Groundhog Day).
Essential questions
- What is the meaning of life?
- What is the experience of the “death of God”?
What’s included
Lesson 1: Eternal Recurrence + Groundhog Day
- Student entrance ticket on meaning/purpose
- Nietzsche excerpt: “The Greatest Weight” (with sourcing)
- 7 comprehension / pre-writing questions + answer key
- Movie view guide for Groundhog Day (clips or full film)
- A structured 500-word writing task using text + film evidence
- Further-reading list for extension
Lesson 2: “God is Dead” + Close Reading
- Entrance ticket on belief and the famous “God is dead / Nietzsche is dead” prompt
- Nietzsche excerpt: “The Parable of the Madman”
- 15 scaffolded reading-comprehension questions + answer key
- “Thinking Further” written reflection prompt
- Discussion question bank (seminar/BINGO/carousel friendly)
- Further-reading list for extension
Bonus add-on (quote work / information literacy)
- 19 Nietzsche quotations with citation expectations
- A step-by-step “Integrating Quotations” writing sheet (MLA emphasis)
- Model paragraph + Works Cited modeling
- Built-in information-literacy angle: verify the quote, locate the source, compare translations
- Also Includes a 2-Lesson Standards Alignment Chart, Rubric, and Resources
Suggested uses
High School ELA • World Literature / Humanities • History of Ideas • Intro to Philosophy • Ethics • Advisory / SEL discussions
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