CHARLOTTE PERKINS GILMAN (1860–1935) The Yellow Wallpaper Please answer the in-depth questions for Gilman. 1. If the basic conflict of this story is that between the attitudes of men toward women an

CHARLOTTE PERKINS GILMAN

(1860–1935)

The Yellow Wallpaper

Please answer the in-depth questions for Gilman.

1. If the basic conflict of this story is that between the attitudes of men toward women and women's needs and desires, how does the story define those attitudes, needs, and desires?

2. The wallpaper is, as the title suggests, the chief symbol in this story. What does it symbolize, and how does it work as a symbol? What details about the wallpaper seem significant? How does the narrator's attitude toward and vision of the wallpaper change, and what is the significance of those changes?

3. Clearly, the wallpaper is one facet of the setting that carries great symbolic weight. What other aspects of the setting seem to be symbols, and what do they symbolize? How do these symbols contribute to the intensification and/or resolution of the central conflict?

4. What do you make of the ending of the story? Does the narrator seem to have been utterly defeated, or is there any way of seeing her as triumphant?

5. In what ways does the conflict explored in this story seem dated? In what ways does it seem relevant today's world?

William Shakespeare  

HAMLET

1. Although the eldest son of the king was customarily chosen to succeed his father, the monarchy of Denmark is depicted in the play as elective. Why was Hamlet passed over in favor of his uncle in the election that preceded the opening of the play? 
2. What are the circumstances of Horatio’s return to Elsinore from Wittenberg? How does the timing of his arrival contribute to the exposition?
3. Describe Hamlet’s behavior, his appearance and actions, before he learns even of the appearance of his father’s ghost. To what action does it prompt Claudius, of which we learn in act 2, scene 2? Why does the king permit Laertes to return to Paris and at the same time refuse Hamlet’s request to return to Wittenberg?
4. Is Hamlet surprised by the Ghost’s revelations? How can you tell?
5. When Rosencrantz and Guildenstern appear, Hamlet correctly interprets the king’s strategy in sending for them. Does he see through other moves made by Claudius? What does this suggest about the relation between the two antagonists?
6. Why are the players introduced? Why is the king in the play-within-the-play murdered by his nephew?
7. The climax of the play occurs when the king stops the play-within-the-play. What has Hamlet learned, and how does it affect his course of action? How is Claudius affected by the events of the scene?
8. What prior actions bring about the death of Polonius? the madness and death of Ophelia? What later actions result from the death of Polonius?
9. What is the purpose in terms of dramatic structure for the scene between Hamlet and Horatio at the beginning of act 5, scene 2?
10. What dramatic functions are served by having both Horatio and Fortinbras alive and on stage at the end of the play?

August Wilson 

FENCES

1. Compare Troy’s storytelling to Gabriel’s illusions. What do you make of Gabriel’s belief that he is the archangel Gabriel? How is that connected to the action in the play?
2. What is the significance of Troy complaining to his employer and union about race-based workplace discrimination? How does this reflect the changing times?
3. What do you think of the relationship between Troy and Bono? What is the significance of them meeting in the penitentiary? Why do you think Bono stops coming around to see Troy as often?
4. What do you think about Troy taking Gabriel’s Army money to buy the house? How is that framed in the play?
5. How are fatherhood and motherhood represented in Fences ?
6. What does this play suggest about the “American dream”?
7. What is the significance of Troy’s infidelity with Alberta? Why do you think Wilson had them both die at the end?
8. What is the significance of the song about Blue?
9. What does this play suggest about false freedom in the North for blacks from post-Reconstruction South?
10. What did you think about Rose’s response to Troy’s infidelity? Her acceptance of Raynell?
11. Why do you think the play ends with Gabriel’s realization? How do you read that moment?