Write one-paragraph responses to each of the following questions:
1.
The trick that Helena employs to consummate her
marriage with Bertram raises questions about ethics and morality and has led to
controversy over many centuries. Some regard her actions as wrong. These
critics would say that the end doesn’t justify the means. (That to do something
wrong in order to obtain a good result is nonetheless wrong.) Others say her
love for Bertram justifies what she did, especially in light of his being under
the bad influence of Parolles. What is your view? Is Helena right or wrong and
why?
2.
Character traits often have a huge influence on
how characters react to situations in a drama (just as they have a huge
influence on how people act in real life). What are the character traits that
Helena and Bertram possess, and what influence do they have in shaping the way
they act toward one another?
3.
Why is the subplot in which Parolles is shown to
be a coward important to the play’s main plot? Explain.
Your responses should include a strong first sentence (topic
sentence) that makes your point and then use evidence from the play to back
your view. Each response should be several sentences in length (roughly 250 or
more words each).
