LitMUSE

What is Oedipus’ hamartia, or tragic flaw? Is there only one? What is Medea’s? Do they share any weaknesses?

Many consider Oedipus the King as the greatest of the Western tragedies. Even if you are not familiar with other Greek tragedy, consider the greatness of Oedipus the King from your own perspective. What themes common in the tragedy resonate for us today? Does Medea share any of these themes?

Analyze Medea’s famous speech on the subordinate position of women, ll. 229-264. What seems to be her primary concerns? Are they justified by the actions of the men in the play?

Does Medea fit the definition of a tragedy that we outlined in class? Why or why not?

As you have read, Norman Mailer, in his book Why Are We at War?, suggests that the real reason for America’s current war with Iraq is to build a global empire. He writes: Behind the whole push to go to war with Iraq is the desire to have a huge military presence in the Middle [...]

After reading Norman Mailer’s essay Why Are We at War?, pick a point (out of many that the book argues) that you either agree with or disagree with. Choose any point that he makes that you can argue for or against based on your own understanding and experience — you should not have to cite [...]

How do you see human achievements in computer technology affecting humanity in general? Do you consider technology a boon, something that should be pursued at any cost, or would you like to see limits put on the creation and use of new technologies? Read Bill Joy’s “Why the Future Doesn’t Need Us” and comment on [...]

An airliner is hijacked by terrorists who threaten to blow up the plane and all its passengers if your nation does not release from custody certain convicted criminals. If it was your responsibility to decide how your nation would respond, what would your decision be? Why? (Are there any basic moral principles involved in the [...]

“There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, / Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.” (Hamlet 1.5.175-6) Throughout the entire recorded history of humankind, events have been reported that our best scientific minds could not explain. How do you tend to respond to reports of events such as encounters with ghosts, psychic phenomena, [...]

In the beginning was the capitalist, but his ability to make a profit was dependent upon production, which meant that he needed workers. Many more people needed work than there were jobs available, so the owners did not have to pay much salary nor be at all concerned with the working conditions of their employees. [...]