Theme-DUE SEPTEMBER 12
1. The qualities of a good leader is one of the play's important themes. To explore this theme, students can do one or more of the following:
• Discuss the qualities possessed by a good leader. Generate a list of these qualities • Make a list of the leadership qualities that the class feels are legitimate. Compare and contrast the two lists and compile one list of leadership qualities that the class feels a good leader should have. Prioritize the list.
• Examine the effect a leader's domestic relationships, physical condition, and/or athletic ability may have on his or her leadership abilities.
- persuasive
- responsible
- mental/strength
- loyal
- support comman man
- serve others
- trustworthy
- just fair
- educated/ intelligent
- political understanding
- experience
- feared/respected
- foreign policy
- charasmatic
- courageous
- confident
2. Friendship is another major theme in the play. Explore this theme by answering the following questions:
• How far would you go to stop a friend from harming your country?
The extreme that I would go to stop a friend from harming the country is far enough where I wouldn't harm my friend. Now if I knew what they were doing was wrong and would harm others that would be a different story. Then I would have to take into consideration my friend or the well being of the rest and decide what would be just. Except, one really can't say how far they would go because it would depend on the situation, as well as what one would do if it did get to this point.
• How far would you go to obtain revenge on someone or some group who destroyed your best friend?
If we look at the definition of revenge it is to inflict harm or injury in return for a wrong. However, how can one obtain revenge on someone or some group and say that it is justice because in reality we are just do the same thing back? Yes at the time it may seem that getting revenge is the solution and we will feel better but this actually shows that we are not being the bigger person. In my eyes revenge doesn't solve anything it just makes things worse.
• Is there anything for which you would betray a friend?
The only thing that comes to mind for which I would betray a friend is a guy. Most likely because after one would fall for him everything else doesn't really seem to matter. Sometimes their is just a point in which all one thinks about is that person that you care for.
• Which is more important to you, friendship or personal principles? Why?
Perhaps my personal principles would be more important because these are the principles
that make you the person that you are and what you value. Even though they say that your friends are going to be there forever this isn't always true because some just come and go. Your principles are what you stand by in order to make the decisions that one makes.
3. One of the most sensitive issues in the play is suicide. Research attitudes toward suicide held by the following cultures: ancient Roman, modern Japanese, and modern American. Compare and contrast these attitudes in class presentations or in written essays.
In modern day Japan they hold the record for the highest suicide rates ten years in a row. In news reports it was said that in 2007 at least 100 Japanese kill themselves every day. This was only in 2007 meaning the rate of deaths has increased. Which is nothing to be proud of the country has taken steps in order to help prevent suicide. Except each year the suicide rate seems to be climbing. Now in modern day America suicide is the eleventh cause of death. Just like Japan and America their is rates of suicide every where and they seem to be climbing because of illness and depression.
4. The role of fate and superstition is another theme.
• To what extent can we control the future?
We can't control the future we can only control what is occurring in the present. Unless one sets goals or plans they would like to accomplish in the future. Except one doesn't always have control and as a result things may not go the way they are anticipated in the first place. One can only do so much as hope that what they would like goes their way but they must take action in order for their plans to be accomplished.
• How superstitious are you? Do you have any good luck rituals that you perform before important occasions?
I do not believe in superstitions or luck things just happen for a reason. Luck or superstition doesn't have anything to do with the outcome of certain events.
• Do you watch for omens before important events?
Like a mentioned previously their is no such thing as bad or good luck or events to watch out for one just has to be careful.
• Do you read your horoscope every day, and do you follow its advice?
No I do not read a horoscope at all.
