1. Waldo marvels at Henry, and expresses his own admiration for Henry's beliefs. He refers to Henry as a "walking ethic," living proof of Transcendentalism. Why does he feel this way about Henry?

2. Why does Henry think more people should be willing to go to jail?

3. What advice of his own does Henry take?

4. What does Henry say to Ellen, showing the audience that he likes her?

5. What might the flute melody represent?

6. Why will Ellen not marry John?

7. In the play it is not know whether or not Henry stays in jail until the end of Bailey's trial. What do you believe takes place?

8. What does Waldo mean when he accuses Henry of resigning from the human race?

9. What is evidence that Henry's thoughts might seem backwards?

10. What is the set for this play?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

We learn that Henry's opinion about speaking out against injustice has evolved

Part 1) How does he originally feel about speaking out?

Part 2) How does his opinion change?

Part 3) Why does it change?

Essay Topic 2

Henry opens Act II by talking about freedom.

Part 1) What is a soliloquy?

Part 2) What examples does he give showing the freedom he has utilized?

Part 3) Why might society fear freedom?

Essay Topic 3

A significant event in Act II prompts Henry to reconsider his theory that one man can make a difference.

Part 1) What event is this?

Part 2) What advice does he give that, surprisingly, is very realistic and sensible?

Part 3) This event also shows Henry that change cannot be effected from within the system. How does it show this?

(see the answer keys)

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