20 pages • 40 minutes read
The Balcony
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Essay Topics
Does The Balcony have a hero? Why or why not?
Despite the play’s setting in a brothel, sexual acts seem peripheral to the power fantasies of the men who use the prostitutes. What is the significance of this?
Do the women in the brothel have more power than the men who visit them? Why or why not?
Before the bullet comes through the window and kills Arthur, did you believe that the rebellion outside was real, or just an extension of the fantasy? Why or why not?
Why does the Chief of Police wish to be imitated?
What significance do the mirrors play in the brothel?
Would you conclude that Genet believes that social change is possible? Why or why not?
What role does religion play in The Balcony?
Why do you believe that Genet chose a bishop, a general, and a judge to illustrate the evils and weaknesses of corrupt men? Would any other roles have been better suited to his indictment of the abuse of power?
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