If you have read the book, on which the opera is loosely based, with your class, (and for some of these questions, even if you have not!) here are some discussion topics our pedagogical advisory team developed this summer to kick-start conversations with your students. We'd love to hear your feedback and other ideas!
What do you think about the story, just from reading it:
1) What are some real-life examples (historically and internationally) of how being virtuous like Ivan has paid off in real life?
2) Some say the wedding is not the end of the story but the beginning. Do you agree? Why or why not?
3) In what ways is the Princess a role model for strong young women?
4) In what ways does this story have all the “parts” of a fairy tale? What’s missing? What’s totally different from a typical fairy tale, in your opinion?
5) In what ways does Ivan’s relationship with the birds help the world around him (his community)?
6) Can you find other examples — in other stories, or in real life?
7) Can you think of any other fairy tales have the same relationships between family members? (Ask friends and family)
8) Can you think of any other stories can you find where birds play a large role?
(Ask friends and family)
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
