1. The qualities of a good leader is one of the play's important themes. To explore this theme, students can do one or more of the following:• Discuss the qualities possessed by a good leader. Generate a list of these qualities • Make a list of the leadership qualities that the class feels are legitimate. Compare and contrast the two lists and compile one list of leadership qualities that the class feels a good leader should have. Prioritize the list.• Examine the effect a leader's domestic relationships, physical condition, and/or athletic ability may have on his or her leadership abilities.

· Task-oriented
· Honesty with actions
· Charismatic
· Able to take control
· Serious
· Reliable
· Sacrificial (people first)
· Intelligent
· Foreign policy
· Equal treatment
· Think before acting
· Out of the box
· Able to prioritize issues


2. Friendship is another major theme in the play. Explore this theme by answering the following questions:• How far would you go to stop a friend from harming your country?• How far would you go to obtain revenge on someone or some group who destroyed your best friend?• Is there anything for which you would betray a friend?• Which is more important to you, friendship or personal principles? Why?

I would not go to far for them to harm the country. My friends mean the world to me and if they are harming themselves, then I would do anything in my power to help them. I would go as far as that friend would go for me. It’s like that saying, why cry for someone who will not cry for you. I would betray my friend if it was for their own well being. If they do not reliize what they are doing as wrong of unsafe, then I will. Both, I treat my friends the way I would like to be treated. If I like things a certain way then they probably do to.


3. One of the most sensitive issues in the play is suicide. Research attitudes toward suicide held by the following cultures: ancient Roman, modern Japanese, and modern American. Compare and contrast these attitudes in class presentations or in written essays.

In American we see suicide as sad, disturbing, and tragic. Some may even question the sanity of the person, and describe it as an easy way out. In Rome and Japan on the pther hand see it as honorable and the ultimate sacrifice. It is something that will be smiled upon by both God and the country.

4. The role of fate and superstition is another theme.• To what extent can we control the future?• How superstitious are you? Do you have any good luck rituals that you perform before important occasions?• Do you watch for omens before important events?• Do you read your horoscope every day, and do you follow its
advice?

We can control the future to the extent where fate leads us. We may have our entire life planned out, but who is to say that someone can ram you with their car and leave you for dead. I am not so superstitious. The one that I do perform the most has to be knock on wood. No I am more of a let it ride type of person. Everything happens for a reason. No, I believe you should never rely on something so unpredictable. Just ride the wave of life.