Essay Questions

How does Dorene differ from the rest of the characters, especially in the scene in the office?

Dorene immediately stands out in the play as a unique and distinct character who not only differs from the rest based on her values, but also based on her actions.

Dorene is in her office on the 78th floor when the hijacked plane crashes into it. Just like everyone else, Dorene is stunned by the terrorist attack. However, instead of simply being in a state of shock and confusion, which would presumably be the most likely state of being anyone would be in at that moment, she propels herself to save the people around her. Dorene goes to one of her colleagues, who is on fire due to the devastating explosions that are rocking the building. As she says herself in the play, "She was burning I could not grab her so I wrapped a sweater around her waist." Dorene then takes this person with her out onto the streets where she can be helped by paramedics.

Not only did Dorene risk her life and act promptly to save others around her, but she also did so in circumstances that would've made most people go into a state of shock or panic. From this we can distinguish the key differentiation between Dorene and the other characters. Other characters, while not malicious or lazy, are unable to take action. Dorene, on the other hand, is bold and prompt, using her internal tenacity to rescue others.

Why is Flight 93 so significant to the play and so significant to this day in history?

United Airlines Flight 93 was one of the four planes that had been hijacked by foreign terrorists on September 11, 2001. It was a Boeing 757 and took off from Newark International Airport in New Jersey, headed towards San Francisco when it was hijacked early in the morning. However, Flight 93 was carrying 40 passengers and 4 crew members that would change the significance of this flight.

While the 44 people were on the plane, they desperately called family and friends. They were confused, delirious, and most of all uncertain of what lay ahead from them. It was from these phone calls that the people onboard learned of what had happened earlier that day. Three planes, all hijacked, colliding into the North Tower, the South Tower, and the Pentagon building, maiming and killing thousands. When they realized their plane was being used by the terrorists for the same purpose, the passengers and crew of Flight 93 decided to fight back against the hijackers.

They devised a plan to have some members of the crew and a few passengers attack the hijackers, forcing them to crash land into a field in Pennsylvania, resulting in the death of everyone onboard. These individuals gave up their lives to insure that more people couldn't be hurt, making Flight 93 significant because it was the only hijacked plane that had been stopped. This was also significant to the play because it represented a theme of hope and perseverance that acted as a beam of sunlight in the otherwise tragic and violent play. Today, the people who gave up their lives in Flight 93 are honored both in Pennsylvania as well as in Washington D.C.