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.
The qualities of a good leader that we as a class created are:
*Persuasive
*Responsible
*Mental strength
*Loyal
*Supporting the common man
*Serving others
*Trustworthy
*Educated
*Political understanding
*Experience
*Feared & respected
*Foreign policy
*Confident
*Confident
*Courageous
*Charismic
The effect a leader's domestic relationships, physical condition, and/or athletic ability may have on his or her leadership abilities is serious. No motivation comes from a faulty leader, for in time the followers will become tired of his actions and revolt. Revolting is not the answer, and the leader must not be weaker than the subjects. If the leader is weaker than his subjects, then the subjects will come to find that they can overpower the leader. He will be seen as vincible, and therefore he will no longer be a 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 would stop my friend from demolishing or ruling my country by death, but al else isn't worth demise. By demolishing or ruling my country would be to destroy or rule in a bad manner. If evil came of their ruling, I would destroy them. If they planned to rule peacefully without the abolition of our country, I would let them.
• How far would you go to obtain revenge on someone or some group who destroyed your best friend?
I would make them suffer mentally or physically to obtain revenge on someone or some group who destroyed my best friend. My best friends would obtain revenge for me, therefore I would do the same for them. Friendship is important to me, as well are my principles. I would obtain revenge in a mental suffering or physical suffering on the person or people who destroyed my best friend.
• Is there anything for which you would betray a friend?
I would only betray a friend if they betrayed me. If they had caused my pain or sorrow, and betrayed me I would betray them. I feel that an eye is for an eye, and that if someone causes you wrong you may get your revenge through betrayal.
• Which is more important to you, friendship or personal principles? Why?
Personal principles are more important to me than friendship, because my principles make me who I am, and no friend can change that. If a friend attempts to change my personal principles, then I consider them no longer my friend. I would never change my friends, and they know their importance compared to my principles. They know that I value my friendship to them, but they know that I would never change.
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.
Personal principles are more important to me than friendship, because my principles make me who I am, and no friend can change that. If a friend attempts to change my personal principles, then I consider them no longer my friend. I would never change my friends, and they know their importance compared to my principles. They know that I value my friendship to them, but they know that I would never change.
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.
The Ancient Romans believed that suicide was honorable as the modern japanese believe. Modern Japanese believe that they should never give in to their enemy, and that it was beyond honorable to commit suicide for their god thus giving all they have. The modern American believes that by committing suicide you get a one way ticket to hell, you are committing a selfish act, that you are shunned by society, and that it is beyond dishonorable.
4. The role of fate and superstition is another theme.
• To what extent can we control the future?
We humans may control the future in the extent of our actions. Through our actions we somewhat control our future, for without actions only outside forces may control our fate. An outside force impacts our fate, and we have somewhat no control over our future. Our actions control our future, but usually we don't realize how our actions affect us.
• How superstitious are you? Do you have any good luck rituals that you perform before important occasions?
I am not very superstitious, but when I am I tap my feet for good luck. I usually get superstitious before big events of performances and of speeches. I think that if I stutter, or if I lose my train of thought, then the rest of the speech is doomed. Usually before dance performances, I do not look at the other performers. Before other performances, I run the steps and lines through my head so that I do not lose my train of thought.
• Do you watch for omens before important events?
I do not watch for omens before important events. I do not believe in that type of superstition, because with my religion omens mean nothing. Through omens the whole event may be doomed, and I do not wish to have negative energy before those important events.
• Do you read your horoscope every day, and do you follow its advice?
I reed my horoscope occasionally, and follow its advice sometimes. When I read my horoscope in the newspaper online, I usually find what relates to me. When the horoscope relates, I sometimes follow it's advice. Usually I forget the advice and perform its guidance through the day without knowing it.
