• 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
- Strength (Mental/Physical)
- Loyal
- Supports 'Common Man'
- Serves Others
- Trustworthy
- Just
- Educated/Intelligent
- Political Understanding
- Experience
- Feared/Respected
- Foreign Policy
- Confident
- Courageous
- Charismatic
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?
It all depends on the situation, really. How good of a friend that person is to me, and how much it will harm the country. I definitely don't think I'd go so far as to actually kill my friend. I could never bring myself to do it. I hope. If my friend were going to do something so horribly disastrous, other measures could be taken to stop them. Authorities, for one. But, really, when it comes down to it, there's really no need to go so far as to kill a person to stop them from doing something. Prison, I would consider if the offense was bad enough.
• How far would you go to obtain revenge on someone or some group who destroyed your best friend?
Probably pretty far. Once again, no death involved, or violence (unless they start it, then it's on), but... oh I don't know. If they destroyed my friend, as in socially, they're going down. I'd not just destroy them, but mutilate them (figuratively speaking). So, yeah, I'd go really far for my best friend.
• Is there anything for which you would betray a friend?
A Klondike Bar. I'd betray her to save her, or maybe I'd betray her if it was something that would be of dire consequence if she knew about it. Or if it was something that neither of us had any control over. But something simple or nothing too drastic? No way.
• Which is more important to you, friendship or personal principles? Why?
Personal principles are more important, I think. Friends can come and go, but you have to live with yourself for the rest of your life. I think most of the time, if you go by personal principles, there would be less to regret in life. Which, actually, friendship vs. personal principles kind of boils down to peer pressure. No matter how good a friend is, they should let you abide by your 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.
Although it is subtle, beliefs are deeply embedded into each culture. Each region has its own beliefs as a whole, especially when suicide is concerned. Americans tend to believe that suicide is an act of selfishness that will send one straight to hell, an act of weakness, or an escape. Though there may be a countless number of reasons, such as fear, pressure or stress, or depression, Americans usually come to the conclusion that any one person that takes their life is (subtly) negelected or considered an outcast, or is running away and leaving behind unresolved issues. The Japanese, however, believe differently. The Japanese believe that suicide is honorable and courageous- the greatest sacrifice. They also believe that it is better to take one's life rather than surrender to an enemy. Another reason for suicide would be a sacrifice to the god or gods. These beliefs are found within many and most Eastern religions, and derive from the Romans. The Romans were the orinigal believers that suicide was an honorable act or a great sacrifice to the god or gods. It is a belief from long ago, and is still in some cultures and religions today.
4. The role of fate and superstition is another theme.
• To what extent can we control the future?
It is my opinion that we can control the future by our choices. There may or may not be such a thing as fate, but even if there is it is based off of the choices that we make.
• How superstitious are you? Do you have any good luck rituals that you perform before important occasions?
I'm not very superstitious. Good luck rituals before an important occasion? Not really my thing. I don't believe in the whole 'avoiding the black cat' or 'spilling the salt' or anything like that. It all sounds rather ridiculous, actually.
• Do you watch for omens before important events?
No, even if I did I'm sure I'd miss them. I'm as blind as a bat at high noon, whether I care about looking for something or not. And this, I definitely would not care about. Again, it sounds kind of ridiculous. An 'omen' actually predicting something is just pure chance.
• Do you read your horoscope every day, and do you follow its advice?
Horoscopes are so generalized, it could pertain to anyone. Some random person just makes up a bunch of different broad generalizations of advice that anyone could integrate into their day. So to answer the question, no. I don't read it and I most certainly do not follow it.
