(Please Help me the questions on top here is the story) The Brave William Tell Adapted from William Tell, Anonymous, public domain.

Introduction: The people of Switzerland were being ruled by the Emperor of Germany who desired to break their independent spirit. This Emperor appointed a cruel, unjust man named Gessler to be governor over the Swiss people. The Swiss people were afraid of the evil governor – all except for William Tell.

Setting: A crowded marketplace in the middle of town.

Scene I

Gessler's messenger: ( yelling as he drives a pole into the ground) Here Ye, here ye people of Switzerland! The honorable Gessler desires a show of respect.

( he places a hat on the top of the pole)

Gessler's messenger: All who pass this way must bow down before this pole and cap to show their allegiance to our great and powerful Emperor of Germany.

( the towns people gasp and murmur in disbelief)

Peasant man 1: What is this? I will not do this thing you ask.

Gessler's messenger: ( striking the peasant man) You will do as you're told!

Peasant man 2: What is the punishment for disobeying this ridiculous request?

( enter Governor Gessler)

Gessler: I will answer this. To any person who disobeys my orders he will be given a sound beating and a damp, disease–ridden jail cell to sleep in!

( sounds of crying and gasping from the crowd)

Townspeople: No, please, say it isn't so!

( The crowd begins to disperse; mothers grab their children and run to their houses.)

Gessler: ( shouts) I will be watching.

( Gessler exits)

Scene II

( A few days later, William Tell and his son John enter the marketplace.)

John: ( pointing to the pole) Father, why does everyone bow low as they pass that pole and cap?

William: ( grabbing John's arm) This looks like the evil Gessler's doing. Wait here and I will find out who is attempting to put this town in chains!

William: ( speaking in a concerned voice) Friends, what is going on here? Why do you bow to this stick?

Peasant man 1: We have been commanded by the mighty Gessler to do so!

Peasant man 2: Not bowing is a crime punishable by beating and possibly death!

William: ( speaking loudly to the crowd) I will not bow! I will not become a slave to the tyrant king of Germany!

( Gessler enters quietly behind William)

Gessler: ( pointing his finger angrily at William) Then you will answer to me!

( Gessler walks toward William and stands before him.)

Scene III

( enter Gessler into the marketplace a few hours later, with William in chains)

Gessler: People of Switzerland, here is an example of foolish bravery. Because this William Tell did not follow orders and proceeded to excite the townspeople against the honorable King of Germany, his punishment is death!

Townspeople: oh no, not William! This is terrible! Have mercy!

Gessler: ( smiling) You want mercy, alright! I'll give you mercy. I will spare his life on one condition: William must shoot this apple off the top of his only son's head!!

( Gessler throws a bow and some arrows at the feet of William)

John: ( calmly looking at his father and speaking quietly) Do what you must do. You are a clever archer, the best I've ever known.

( John is placed 20 yards away from where his father stands. The target is placed on his head.)

William: ( glaring at Gessler) This is a horrible proposal and one I will not soon forget. If I succeed, I will hold you to your word and expect my freedom.

Gessler ( looking across the way at the boy) If you succeed, you will have it.

( William picks up two arrows and places one in his shirt. With the other he takes aim. The crowd watches as the arrow flies, hitting its mark perfectly.)

Townspeople: Hurray! What amazement! Young John is saved and so is our Brave William Tell!

Gessler: ( enraged the boy was not hit) You lucky fool! Next time you will not be so fortunate!

William: ( taking the second arrow from his shirt and pointing it at Gessler) If I had hit my boy, this second arrow was for you!

( William and John exit)

( curtain falls)