Day 4

Topdog/Underdog Lesson Plan

Discussion of Thought Questions

  1. 1

    Why does Booth kill Lincoln?

    Booth impulsively kills his brother when he feels ridiculed by him about his lack of ability at Three-card Monte, as Lincoln cuts open the inheritance that is Booth's last connection to their parents. Even though the killing is spontaneous, it's clear there's years of envy and resentment behind it. Booth wants to be like Lincoln. He emulates him by aspiring to deal Three-card Monte, and by sleeping with, or possibly raping, Lincoln's wife. But Booth continually falls short of his own expectations, and can only envy the life available to Lincoln.

  2. 2

    Why does Booth kill Grace?

    Booth kills Grace because she rejects him. It becomes...

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