Topic 1

What Christian symbolism is used in the play? What do you think Eliot thinks about Christianity and about religion in general?

Topic 2

Who is more in the wrong in the play, Edward or Lavinia? Why?

Topic 3

Which character is the most innocent in the play? Why do you think so?

Topic 4

Who are Reilly, Julia and Alex? What are their motivations for manipulating the other characters? Do they represent any powers in society or in the human experience of life in general? If so, which ones?

Topic 5

Examine the times that Julia and Alex interrupted the other characters. Were their actions intentional? What were they trying to prevent?

Topic 6

Compare and contrast Edward and Lavinia’s behavior towards each other in Acts I and II with their behavior towards each other in Act III. What is different? What is the same?

Topic 7

Do you believe Reilly...