The Father

Laura is a cunning woman who wages war against her husband. Are her actions moral? Why or why not?

The doctor and the pastor represent different perspectives on the question of faith. How do their characters function as sides in this debate? Where do other characters fit on this continuum?

Bertha is supposedly the cause of the dispute between Laura and the Captain. Is she important to the play? To her parents? Why or why not?

Margret is both sympathetic and ultimately powerless. How does she demonstrate sincere respect and love for others? What does the play think of her selfless devotion to caretaking?

Characters in The Father are rewarded for their immoral behavior. What does this say about the nature of the society they inhabit?

Does Laura win? Will her hold on power differ from that of the Captain? Why or why not? What does the play's last line mean?

The opening scenes of the play portray Nojd's attempts to escape responsibility for fathering a child. What are the ramifications of Nojd's actions? How do they tie into the themes of the play?

The Captain becomes convinced that he is not Bertha's father. How do his fears reveal his insecurities as a man?