Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- What's the overall effect of Churchill's decision to have white people play black characters and for men to play female roles (and vice versa) in this play?
- Why do you think Gerry is so cold toward Edward in Act 2? What impact does this behavior have on Edward?
Throughout this play, it's pretty clear that Churchill wants us to question situations where people have power over others (colonial power, racial power, gender power). Do you think there are any situations where one person should have power over another? Why or why not? - The relationship between Harry Bagley and Edward is pedophilic. Do you think Churchill is supporting pedophilia? Why or why not?
- How does Churchill connect the issue of England's colonial power in Africa to Clive's (the father's) power in the household? How does the language of English national pride support both at the same time?
- Do you think it's a victory when Betty decides to leave her husband Clive? Why or why not?
- Why does the character Lin dislike men so much? Please be specific and use direct quotations from the text in your answer.
- What symbolic purpose does Lin's brother serve in Cloud 9?