Lady Macbeth: Feminist Dream or Psycho Wife?

You've read a couple of scenes with Lady Macbeth - now, with a partner, decide what she is really like...

And yet, he's a hero?

Exodus is pretty dramatic, and Oedipus seems to address a variety of issues. Look over the scene and determine how Aristotle determined that Oedipus is a hero, despite his flaw, mistake, and downfall. Use several examples to show what, if anything, he has learned.

There's a flaw in the system

The more we get to know someone, the more we find that we might not like. Sort of like Donkey in "Shrek" explaining about the layers of an onion. As you've read the bulk of the play, Oedipus's character clarifies, and some of the pieces aren't so wonderful. Consider his actions and choices, and determine his flaw. What is it, and what is the evidence that supports it? Remember his flaw must lead to a mistake in judgment and his downfall. Be clear about the mistake and the downfall.

Early thoughts on Oedipus...

Now that you've read Prologue and Parados, think about Oedipus's actions and statements. What sort of person do you think he is? How would you feel about him as your king? What kinds of power does he have? What evidence supports your thinking? Explain the significance of your evidence.

The Truth, the Full Truth, and Nothing But the Truth

Since you were young, you've been told to tell the truth. One's willingness to tell the truth often plays a significant role in the ways people relate to him. Listening to the truth, though, can be hard, and some people avoid situations where truths are revealed.

Considering the activity this morning and your own experience, write 2 paragraphs about your feelings related to truth: how comfortable are you telling the truth in hard situations? Why? Share particular incidents and develop this answer. In the next paragraph, explore your ability to hear and accept truth. When is it hard? When is it easy? Why? Provide specific evidence.

Shinji and Hatsue

Now that you're about halfway through The Sound of Waves, it's time for you to gather your thoughts about the story and the main characters, Pick either Shinji or Hatsue and explain what you think of him or her. What three adjectives would you use to describe him or her? What has been his/her biggest challenge so far? How did he/she handle it? What does that tell us about him/her? Is he/she likable? Why or why not? What might the author be telling us about people in general, through him/her? Your response should be 10-12 thorough sentences.