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.
My List
-Intelligent
-Honest
-Courageous
-Loyal
-Respectful
-Just
-Charismatic
-Affirmative
-Observant
Class List
-Mental Strength
-Educated/Intelligent
-Experienced
-Trustworthy
-Loyal
-Responsible
-Just -Support common “man”
-Serve others
-Political Understanding
-Foreign Policy -Feared and Respected
-Persuasive
-Confident
• Examine the effect a leader's domestic relationships, physical condition, and/or athletic ability may have on his or her leadership abilities.
Being physically disabled does not make you a bad leader. You could be the best leader and be handicapped. To become a great leader from a good leader you do not need to be in a good physical condition or have a lot of athletic ability, you just need the qualities of a great leader.
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?
I don’t think I would do anything dramatic to stop them from harming my country. I possibly would if it was going to hurt them, like I would try to talk them out of it. If they did not want me too and was just telling me to leave them alone, I would go to the police to prevent harm from my country and all the people in it. I wouldn’t go further, like killing them for it. It is his/her choice to do whatever they want to do, and I’ll try my best to get them to not do something to ruin their life.
• How far would you go to obtain revenge on someone or some group who destroyed your best friend?
To obtain revenge on someone or some group who destroyed my best friend I would not go as far as physically hurting them for it. I do not believe that that violence is the answer. I would defiantly make them suffer emotionally and feel guilty for doing it.
• Is there anything for which you would betray a friend?
I would not betray my friends for anything. If it were for family I would find a way to not betray them and still make my family happy and still be friends with that person or persons.
• Which is more important to you, friendship or personal principles? Why?
Personal principles are more important and I think you should somewhat have friends that have similar principles. If your friends are real friends then they should respect your own personal principles.
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.
Some reasons people commit suicide in modern America is because they are running away from something, depressed, unresolved endings, pressure/stress, and peace. This is different from the modern Japanese think of it as a sacrifice. The ancient Roman thought it as noble to commit suicide. I think fate is random, you're not predestined to go to hell or heaven.
4. The role of fate and superstition is another theme.
• To what extent can we control the future?
We do control the future as far as our actions as a nation. But we cannot control a natural disaster, or the actions of other people that are terrorists, and people that do not like us.
• How superstitious are you? Do you have any good luck rituals that you perform before important occasions?
I am not very superstitious at all. I don’t have any good luck rituals that I perform before important occasions.
• Do you watch for omens before important events?
No I don’t watch for omens before important events. Sometimes I do notice omens before important events, but I didn’t look for them, they just showed up.
• Do you read your horoscope every day, and do you follow its advice?
I read my horoscope every once in a while. No I do not follow the advice, I just read it for fun and to see what it says.
