Reference no: EM132542357

Here are some possible prompts to choose from (but feel free to come up with prompts of your own):

Question 1: What is the role of monsters/monstrosity in the play? Without relying on a dictionary, can you come up with a definition of "monster" ONLY in the context of this play? (Don't get side-tracked by other works of drama or fiction that deal with monsters - make sure to be focused and only stick to this play). What is Racine's portrayal of monstrosity? Are there are any monsters here? If so, who are they?

Question 2: What makes them monsters? How do they drive the plot? What is the relationship between the monstrous and the beautiful? The monstrous and the human? Is there a difference between the monstrous and the criminal?

Question 3: What is the role of silence in the play? Can silence be criminal? How? What is the relationship between silence and language? What is the relationship between language and action that Racine establishes? Are these characters ever able to take back what they say? Are the punishments meted out by the end justified? Why or why not?

Question 4: To what extent is _____________________ (choose any character here: Phaedra, Oenone, Hippolytus, Theseus, etc.) responsible for the tragic outcome(s) of the play? N.B. Any time you answer a question that begins with "To what extent..." it is not sufficient to give a black-and-white answer (either "yes" or "no"). You must explore the terrain of ethical ambiguity in a more sophisticated manner. So, for example, if you choose to write about Oenone's role, you will NOT get high marks if you simply say that she is responsible.

Question 5: Try to think like a lawyer providing both the prosecution and the defense of the character. Don't be too eager to lay all the blame on one person, and please avoid any totalizing language like "absolutely" or "totally". I'm less interested in you finding a final verdict than an assessment of what contributing (albeit limited) role the character of your choice plays in the tragic outcome, being well aware that a variety of other circumstances beyond that character's control are also at work. What are these circumstances? Does this character intend to inflict harm? If so, how much? Does the harm that eventually occurs exceed the character's intention? Are there situations here in which an intention to help paradoxically ends up creating harm? How much agency does this character actually have? If Oenone is Phaedra's servant, how much room does she have to act on her own? If Phaedra is being punished by Venus, a deity she cannot outpower, does that mitigate her responsibility?

Question 6: How does Racine portray shame and guilt in this play? Is there a difference between the two? What crime was ever committed? Without even acting on the initial forbidden desires (Phaedra for Hippolytus, Hippolytus for Aricia), these characters still face severe punishment. Why? Does thinking/articulating desires take the same weight as acting on these desires? How can there ever be any restriction on thought or language? How does Racine balance (or throw out of balance) the scales of justice in this play? Is there any justice here? (Hint: pay careful attention to the final passage. Is that sufficient? Why or why not?)

Question 7: Who is/are the antagonist(s) in this play? What is the relationship between love and hatred? Enemies and lovers? How does that sharp dichotomy dissolve? Can the self be an antagonist? Which character(s) exemplify this dynamic?

Question 8: Is every interpretation a misinterpretation in this play? Find specific examples. Are there any exceptions?

Question 9: What is the role of sight/glances/gazes and visual imagery in this play?

Question 10: Does the sea/water/tears/fluidity take on any symbolic significance? What could it/they represent?

Question 11: What is the relationship between the human and the divine in this play?