Who is presented as hero/heroine in the work? What heroic qualities does he/she possess? Does he/she partially fail? How does he/she develop as a hero/heroine? What are the steps in the hero’s/heroine’s formation? What in particular advocates certain qualities of mind and action?
What are the political implications of the work? Who in the work is powerful and powerless? Does the text approve of the status quo? Does it advocate or depict revolution? Does the text cry out for change? Does the text leave mixed messages?
Whom (or what group or what attitudes) does the work demonize? What does the author (or components of his society) define itself against? Why might the author find these qualities threatening or dangerous?
What model(s) of femininity is/are depicted? Which are approved, rejected, corrected, preferred, etc.?
What model(s) of masculinity is/are depicted? Which are approved, rejected, corrected, preferred, etc.?
What seems to be the psychological quirks/neuroses of the characters (or even author)?
What audience(s) was the work conceived? What message(s) does the author have for its discreet audience? What tone or attitude does the author take toward the audience? Does he flatter, cajole, coax, reprimand? What is the author’s purpose in writing this text.
What is the true history of the events told by Delaney? Does he follow the truth closely? Why do you think he tells the story of Ireland in this way? This discussion compares Irish history to the story (stories) written by Delaney.
