Here are some discussion questions for The Believer by Stephanie Black. WARNING if you have not read the book, the questions contain spoilers.
1. Black creates a future where the United States has been separated without a war. Do you feel that her depiction of the reasons and nature of the separation are believable?
2. Ian Roshek is depicted as a man struggling to do the right thing in the face of impossible odds. Do you feel that Black's characterization of Ian is believable? Was he too good? Or did you feel like he struggled in a way similar to how you would struggle under similar circumstances?
3. Black's reasoning why the government of New America needed to ban religion was so that the government could have final say over what is right and wrong/good or bad. Do you agree with Black's assessment? If we do not have religion, what would determine the basis of right and wrong? Does the abolishment of religion grant more power to the government? Does the abolishment of religion weaken the minds of the citizens of a nation?
4. Does Zero really care about the security of New America or is he entirely self interested?
5. Do you agree with Black's assertion that terrorism often is self-defeating, in that it creates more power for those whom it is seeking to weaken? Examples from the real world?
6. In our current lives it may be difficult to imagine an America where freeedoms are so limited and the treatment of others so brutal, but the world has seen much worse in many other societies. What is it that keeps us from tipping over the edge into the world that Black creates? What separates us from, say, Rwanda, Khmer Rouge Cambodia, Maoist China, Nazi Germany, or Stalinist USSR?
7. How would you compare this novel to other LDS futuristic fiction?
8. Black uses futuristic fiction with LDS themes without getting embroiled in end of day prophecies, does this enhance or detract from her work?
9. Is Alisa Kent's character arc believable?
Thursday, June 12, 2008
The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams
The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams is one of my favorite works of literature. In fact, I remember being completely blown away the first time I read it. That being said, here are some discussion questions for The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams:
1. This play is written in an unrealistic style. There are pictures and sayings that are supposed to be projected behind the actors onstage, and background music is written into the stage directions. Why do you think Williams makes such an effort to keep the audience aware of the presentation aspects of this work? Is Williams specifically trying to avoid a realist approach? If so, do you think a realistic approach would give more weight to Menagerie?
2. Williams has Tom, narrate Menagerie does the theatrical device of a narrator help or hinder the action in the play?
3. Tom states in his 0pening speech, "I give you truth in the pleasant disguise of illusion." What does that mean? Is Williams indicating that truth about life is easier to learn through allegory? If so is that true? What allegories have helped you understand truth?
4. Tom also states that this is a "memory play" and as such the things seen are not as they precisely happened, but as they are remembered. If that is the case, why is the play so depressing? Do our memories make the past happier or more depressing? Why would Tom's memories of the events depicted in the play be worse than they actually were?
5. The Wingfield family lives in dreams. How are each of the Wingfields' dreams different, and at the same time how do each of their dreams lead them to the same place?
6. Amanda is caught in a past that never existed, as she tells stories of her youth. Is nostalgia, heightened as it is by Amanda, a damning force in our lives, or can it be an effective motivator for the future? What is it for Amanda.
7. Laura is lost in a world of imagination, how is her world different than the world Amanda has constructed for herself? Is it more/less damning?
8. Tom is lost in a world of adventure and poetry that does not exist, but which eventually compels him to leave his home and family, how can deferred dreams destroy relationships and our lives? Clearly, we need ambition, we need dreams to move forward in our lives, without risktakers we would not make it to where we are, so what is the difference between the Wingfield's whose dreams ultimately destroy themselves, and those whose dreams compel them to greater heights?
9. Why is it important that Laura is portrayed as unique, with the symbolism of the glass unicorn and "blue roses"? Is Williams making a statement about society's treatment of those who are different? Would Laura have been happier if she had been more like everyone else, just as she tries to say the unicorn was happier after he lost his horn? Laura's uniqueness brings her sorrow, but Amanda's attempts to integrate Laura into society through secretarial school, suitors, etc. force Laura into a deeper sorrow, is Williams stating that in our present society that there really is no place where those who are truly unique can be happy because they are either ostracized or they are forced to conform?
10. It is often said that The Glass Menagerie is an autobiographical play. If that is the case, how does it change your view of Tom and his reasons for remembering his life as depicted in the play.
1. This play is written in an unrealistic style. There are pictures and sayings that are supposed to be projected behind the actors onstage, and background music is written into the stage directions. Why do you think Williams makes such an effort to keep the audience aware of the presentation aspects of this work? Is Williams specifically trying to avoid a realist approach? If so, do you think a realistic approach would give more weight to Menagerie?
2. Williams has Tom, narrate Menagerie does the theatrical device of a narrator help or hinder the action in the play?
3. Tom states in his 0pening speech, "I give you truth in the pleasant disguise of illusion." What does that mean? Is Williams indicating that truth about life is easier to learn through allegory? If so is that true? What allegories have helped you understand truth?
4. Tom also states that this is a "memory play" and as such the things seen are not as they precisely happened, but as they are remembered. If that is the case, why is the play so depressing? Do our memories make the past happier or more depressing? Why would Tom's memories of the events depicted in the play be worse than they actually were?
5. The Wingfield family lives in dreams. How are each of the Wingfields' dreams different, and at the same time how do each of their dreams lead them to the same place?
6. Amanda is caught in a past that never existed, as she tells stories of her youth. Is nostalgia, heightened as it is by Amanda, a damning force in our lives, or can it be an effective motivator for the future? What is it for Amanda.
7. Laura is lost in a world of imagination, how is her world different than the world Amanda has constructed for herself? Is it more/less damning?
8. Tom is lost in a world of adventure and poetry that does not exist, but which eventually compels him to leave his home and family, how can deferred dreams destroy relationships and our lives? Clearly, we need ambition, we need dreams to move forward in our lives, without risktakers we would not make it to where we are, so what is the difference between the Wingfield's whose dreams ultimately destroy themselves, and those whose dreams compel them to greater heights?
9. Why is it important that Laura is portrayed as unique, with the symbolism of the glass unicorn and "blue roses"? Is Williams making a statement about society's treatment of those who are different? Would Laura have been happier if she had been more like everyone else, just as she tries to say the unicorn was happier after he lost his horn? Laura's uniqueness brings her sorrow, but Amanda's attempts to integrate Laura into society through secretarial school, suitors, etc. force Laura into a deeper sorrow, is Williams stating that in our present society that there really is no place where those who are truly unique can be happy because they are either ostracized or they are forced to conform?
10. It is often said that The Glass Menagerie is an autobiographical play. If that is the case, how does it change your view of Tom and his reasons for remembering his life as depicted in the play.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
La dama del alba by Alejandro Casona
Here are some discussion questions for La dama del alba by Alejandro Casona. I don't think this play has ever been translated to English, so this is for Spanish speakers only.
1. The opening scene description describes the location as being "sin tiempo" or without time, do you think the lack of a specific period of time helps Casona to focus on the theme? Do you think the specificity that the play takes place in a place "sin tiempo" was meant to immediately convey the feeling that the themes of this work are univeral to time and place?
2. What do you think Casona is trying to say as the children literally play with "Death"? Is Casona making a statement regarding our lives and their constant fragility? Is the fun that the children have demonstrative of their innocence or of their faith that all things about life, including death, are inherently good?
3. Death is portrayed as a beautiful woman. Do you agree with this embodiment, or do you find preferable the normal anglo-american version of death as a the "grim reaper"? What does the portrayal of death as a beautiful woman say about Casona's views?
4. The only time death is allowed to feel life is when she laughs with the children. Death later speaks of the feelings of sorrow, love, and other emotions she has experienced, why then was only laughter able to bring her life?
5. Death explains that the only time she has ever felt life was while playing with the children. Why is it that only children were able to realize a miracle so amazing as to bring death to life?
6. In Death's argument with Abuelo she states that life cannot exist without death, do you agree? Why?
7. Death tells Adela that "Cada hora tiene su verdad" or that "each hour has its truth". Do you agree? Are there things that are true now that aren't true later? Give examples.
8. While Death is convincing Angelica to kill herself, she tells her that beauty is also truth, do you agree? Are some things true simply because they are beautiful?
9. One of Casona's themes appears to be a belief that a beautiful legend or myth can be of more importance than harsh reality, do you agree? Do you agree that there are some myths that better serve the public good than the sordid truth behind them? Can we as a society be made stronger through belief in myths or are we always stronger for facing the truth, no matter how ugly?
10. Most of us don't believe suicide is an acceptable form of escaping our problems; however Angelica's eventual suicide brings the ultimate happiness to all members of the family. Be honest, were you hoping that Angelica commits suicide? Why? Was this in direct contrast to your own moral code?
1. The opening scene description describes the location as being "sin tiempo" or without time, do you think the lack of a specific period of time helps Casona to focus on the theme? Do you think the specificity that the play takes place in a place "sin tiempo" was meant to immediately convey the feeling that the themes of this work are univeral to time and place?
2. What do you think Casona is trying to say as the children literally play with "Death"? Is Casona making a statement regarding our lives and their constant fragility? Is the fun that the children have demonstrative of their innocence or of their faith that all things about life, including death, are inherently good?
3. Death is portrayed as a beautiful woman. Do you agree with this embodiment, or do you find preferable the normal anglo-american version of death as a the "grim reaper"? What does the portrayal of death as a beautiful woman say about Casona's views?
4. The only time death is allowed to feel life is when she laughs with the children. Death later speaks of the feelings of sorrow, love, and other emotions she has experienced, why then was only laughter able to bring her life?
5. Death explains that the only time she has ever felt life was while playing with the children. Why is it that only children were able to realize a miracle so amazing as to bring death to life?
6. In Death's argument with Abuelo she states that life cannot exist without death, do you agree? Why?
7. Death tells Adela that "Cada hora tiene su verdad" or that "each hour has its truth". Do you agree? Are there things that are true now that aren't true later? Give examples.
8. While Death is convincing Angelica to kill herself, she tells her that beauty is also truth, do you agree? Are some things true simply because they are beautiful?
9. One of Casona's themes appears to be a belief that a beautiful legend or myth can be of more importance than harsh reality, do you agree? Do you agree that there are some myths that better serve the public good than the sordid truth behind them? Can we as a society be made stronger through belief in myths or are we always stronger for facing the truth, no matter how ugly?
10. Most of us don't believe suicide is an acceptable form of escaping our problems; however Angelica's eventual suicide brings the ultimate happiness to all members of the family. Be honest, were you hoping that Angelica commits suicide? Why? Was this in direct contrast to your own moral code?
Fool Me Twice by Stephanie Black
Here are some discussion questions for Fool Me Twice by Stephanie Black:
1. "Evil twins" seem to invoke thoughts of bad soap operas, did Black's use of the "evil twin" work?
2. One of the keys to effective writing is having well-rounded characters. Does Black present well-rounded characterizations for all her characters? If not, what characters were lacking needed characterization? If yes, how did full characters help the tension and action in the plot?
3. One of the more interesting aspects of the book, was Aunt Evelyn's documentation of her plan from the beginning, does this character attribute/flaw work for you? Why? Is this a well-planned deus ex machina for easy wrap-up or was Evelyn's idiosyncracy believably portrayed?
4. One of the themes explored in Fool Me Twice is self-awareness, how does Black pursue this theme? Megan's self-awareness grows at the same time as her awareness of those around her increases. Is this the case with life, do we know ourselves as we come to truly know others? Does Megan's inability to see Kristen for who she really is indicate Kristen's ability to manipulate, or Megan's inability to be true to who she really is? What events specifically allowed Megan to see Kristen as she really is? Was Megan's growth and transition to strength realistic? Why(not)?
5. Trevor has been labled by one reviewer as a "Dudley Do Right" do you agree?
6. The climax of Fool Me Twice has Megan facing off against Kristen alone, do you think this was necessary for Megan's character development? Did you find Black's device of the reluctant neighbor an effective strategy for having Megan and Kristen face each other alone?
7. Kristen moves pretty quickly from kidnapper to murderess when she kills Gail Ludlum, was this extra step believable? What does Kristen's rapid transformation show us about the fragility of our own law-abiding existence? Is it true that each step down a path becomes easier? What do Kristen's actions teach us about the power of the desire to not be caught? From a religious standpoint, how can Kristen's attempts to cover-up her acts, and its results, show us the importance of confession?
8. Both Pamela and Kristen are shown as self-centered individuals, what is the difference between being self-centered and being self-aware? How can we come to know ourselves without being focused on ourselves? Is Black making a statement on the power of service and outward focus that Megan only realizes her strength and who she and others are when she is completely focused on others' needs? If this is the case, why didn't Megan's constant willingness to help Pamela result in a similar self-awareness?
9. What is the difference between service and slavery?Enjoy
1. "Evil twins" seem to invoke thoughts of bad soap operas, did Black's use of the "evil twin" work?
2. One of the keys to effective writing is having well-rounded characters. Does Black present well-rounded characterizations for all her characters? If not, what characters were lacking needed characterization? If yes, how did full characters help the tension and action in the plot?
3. One of the more interesting aspects of the book, was Aunt Evelyn's documentation of her plan from the beginning, does this character attribute/flaw work for you? Why? Is this a well-planned deus ex machina for easy wrap-up or was Evelyn's idiosyncracy believably portrayed?
4. One of the themes explored in Fool Me Twice is self-awareness, how does Black pursue this theme? Megan's self-awareness grows at the same time as her awareness of those around her increases. Is this the case with life, do we know ourselves as we come to truly know others? Does Megan's inability to see Kristen for who she really is indicate Kristen's ability to manipulate, or Megan's inability to be true to who she really is? What events specifically allowed Megan to see Kristen as she really is? Was Megan's growth and transition to strength realistic? Why(not)?
5. Trevor has been labled by one reviewer as a "Dudley Do Right" do you agree?
6. The climax of Fool Me Twice has Megan facing off against Kristen alone, do you think this was necessary for Megan's character development? Did you find Black's device of the reluctant neighbor an effective strategy for having Megan and Kristen face each other alone?
7. Kristen moves pretty quickly from kidnapper to murderess when she kills Gail Ludlum, was this extra step believable? What does Kristen's rapid transformation show us about the fragility of our own law-abiding existence? Is it true that each step down a path becomes easier? What do Kristen's actions teach us about the power of the desire to not be caught? From a religious standpoint, how can Kristen's attempts to cover-up her acts, and its results, show us the importance of confession?
8. Both Pamela and Kristen are shown as self-centered individuals, what is the difference between being self-centered and being self-aware? How can we come to know ourselves without being focused on ourselves? Is Black making a statement on the power of service and outward focus that Megan only realizes her strength and who she and others are when she is completely focused on others' needs? If this is the case, why didn't Megan's constant willingness to help Pamela result in a similar self-awareness?
9. What is the difference between service and slavery?Enjoy
The Giver by Lois Lowry
This Newberry Award winner allows adults to explore some pretty serious themes after enjoying a quick and easy read. So, without further ado, here are discussion questions for The Giver by Lois Lowry.
1. Why is collective memory so important? What would be the results if society had no memory of its past? Is this happening or has it happened in the past?
2. Why was the destruction of true emotions essential to the creation of the Utopian society found in The Giver?
3. Why was exactness of language so important to the the society in the book? Does the exactness of language denote the lack of depth of feelings as it is implied in the book? Why is ambiguity in language so important to our abilities to share feelings and describe the world around us?
4. The book is written from a limited third person perspective. How does this perspective help you as a reader? Did you enjoy the perspective or would you have preferred a more omniscient narrator to better understand the society as a whole?
5. We see in the book that, among other things, music and color were taken away, how is the elimination of these two things beneficial to a society such as the one found in the book? Is the elimination of color the same thing as being color-blind.
6. The book highlights the dangers of completely unified society. Do you think unity is important? How can we be unified without destroying the variety that can make life interesting and beautiful?
7. Is language inherently ambiguous because of the feelings that language was created to describe?
8. How did Ms. Lowry use ambiguity, or the lack thereof, to show the development of Jonas as a character?
9. What do you think of when you listen to Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin?
10. If you had to choose between living in a world without color or without music what would you choose?
11. Why is it important to learn about civilizations and cultures other than ours? In The Giver they didn't know about their past, but they also didn't really know about any other communities, and from the ending it appears that there are communities that didn't succumb to the sameness. Why would it be important for us to learn about, for example, China's history from the Chinese perspective and not simply as a small portion of Western History? Learning about different perspectives in history and politics may create more confusion or ambiguity of feelings of your perspective, is this beneficial or detrimental? Can this question get any longer? I must get back to work.Enjoy.
1. Why is collective memory so important? What would be the results if society had no memory of its past? Is this happening or has it happened in the past?
2. Why was the destruction of true emotions essential to the creation of the Utopian society found in The Giver?
3. Why was exactness of language so important to the the society in the book? Does the exactness of language denote the lack of depth of feelings as it is implied in the book? Why is ambiguity in language so important to our abilities to share feelings and describe the world around us?
4. The book is written from a limited third person perspective. How does this perspective help you as a reader? Did you enjoy the perspective or would you have preferred a more omniscient narrator to better understand the society as a whole?
5. We see in the book that, among other things, music and color were taken away, how is the elimination of these two things beneficial to a society such as the one found in the book? Is the elimination of color the same thing as being color-blind.
6. The book highlights the dangers of completely unified society. Do you think unity is important? How can we be unified without destroying the variety that can make life interesting and beautiful?
7. Is language inherently ambiguous because of the feelings that language was created to describe?
8. How did Ms. Lowry use ambiguity, or the lack thereof, to show the development of Jonas as a character?
9. What do you think of when you listen to Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin?
10. If you had to choose between living in a world without color or without music what would you choose?
11. Why is it important to learn about civilizations and cultures other than ours? In The Giver they didn't know about their past, but they also didn't really know about any other communities, and from the ending it appears that there are communities that didn't succumb to the sameness. Why would it be important for us to learn about, for example, China's history from the Chinese perspective and not simply as a small portion of Western History? Learning about different perspectives in history and politics may create more confusion or ambiguity of feelings of your perspective, is this beneficial or detrimental? Can this question get any longer? I must get back to work.Enjoy.
Oliver Twist
A little while ago, I read Oliver Twist, while it is not my favorite of Dickens' works, it brings up a certain number of questions regarding society and the literary devices Dickens uses to advance his social causes. Here are some questions to inspire discussion:
1. Why is Oliver Twist the flattest character in the book? Or if you don't think he is, defend your position.
2. Why do you think Dickens made the gang of thieves the most varied and deep characters in the novel? Do you think he was trying to make a statement by the varying reasons for crime found among the thieves?
3. Why doesn't Nancy accept the help and sanctuary that is offered? Did she really love Bill or are her actions more of a self-imposed punishment often given by those who believe they are not good enough for redemption?
4. Did Bill really love Nancy? Defend your answer.
5. Dickens clearly is making political and social statements, how do you think this story compares to other sociopolitical novels? Is it more effective or less effective, and why?
6. Why does Oliver have to be the inheritor of great sums of money, wouldn't Dickens' point about a person's virtue being based on who they are, not how they come into the world be more effective if Oliver really had been born of the scum of the earth?
7. Who is your favorite character? Why?
8. What is your opinion of Fagin? Does he care about his urchins and thieves, or is he a completely self-interested person?
9. Does Oliver's complete goodness annoy the snot out of you?
1. Why is Oliver Twist the flattest character in the book? Or if you don't think he is, defend your position.
2. Why do you think Dickens made the gang of thieves the most varied and deep characters in the novel? Do you think he was trying to make a statement by the varying reasons for crime found among the thieves?
3. Why doesn't Nancy accept the help and sanctuary that is offered? Did she really love Bill or are her actions more of a self-imposed punishment often given by those who believe they are not good enough for redemption?
4. Did Bill really love Nancy? Defend your answer.
5. Dickens clearly is making political and social statements, how do you think this story compares to other sociopolitical novels? Is it more effective or less effective, and why?
6. Why does Oliver have to be the inheritor of great sums of money, wouldn't Dickens' point about a person's virtue being based on who they are, not how they come into the world be more effective if Oliver really had been born of the scum of the earth?
7. Who is your favorite character? Why?
8. What is your opinion of Fagin? Does he care about his urchins and thieves, or is he a completely self-interested person?
9. Does Oliver's complete goodness annoy the snot out of you?
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