Day 2

The Emperor Jones Lesson Plan

Discussion of Thought Questions

  1. 1

    How might O'Neill's stage directions function as a character in and of themselves?

    The landscape of the West Indies in O'Neill's imagination seems to serve as both a peaceful and a terrifying backdrop for Jones' escape from his revolting subjects. O'Neill describes the landscape with a sober and poetic clarity, calling the forest's "relentless immobility" and its "brooding, implacable silence." This description stands in stark and indifferent relief to the scrambling escape of the emperor.

  2. 2

    Discuss the fantastical elements that O'Neill introduces in today's reading.

    In this second scene, non-realistic and more expressionistic dramatic elements are...

Join Now to View Premium Content

GradeSaver provides access to 2368 study guide PDFs and quizzes, 11018 literature essays, 2792 sample college application essays, 926 lesson plans, and ad-free surfing in this premium content, “Members Only” section of the site! Membership includes a 10% discount on all editing orders.

Join Now

Already a member? Log in