Section 1:

1. Why are we willing to suspend disbelief when we see a play, yet we demand so much more from a film production? Do you think that the limitation on special effects and alternative demand on the audience member to suspend disbelief is a weakness or a strength of the theatrical experience? Would you rather see The Tempest on stage or in film? Why?

2. When we attend a film, in a way there is not the same kind of "suspension of disbelief" as there is with theater. Rather we demand more "realism" be portrayed in the film. Yet in a way we are suspending disbelief just as much, just changing its format from residing in our imaginations to residing in the filmmakers' imaginations. What do you think, do you agree or disagree with this concept?

3. Do you feel that the suspension of disbelief is different for movies than for theater?

Section 2:

1. One of the most common uses of imagery in the medieval and Renaissance periods is allegory. What is an allegory?Why, in your opinion, was allegory so prevalent during these periods? Is it still important in contemporary literature? Why or why not?

2. Give an example of how assigning two different sets of "hidden meanings" to the same story or artwork or poem can result in two highly different interpretations?

3. Why do you think symbol and metaphor would be so widely used during the Middle Ages and why do you think its use has largely died out (except in literary and artistic contexts) by today?