Wray
Name:
E9
Questions for Life Is Beautiful
You should have this out in front of you as you watch the film. You may either answer these questions as you’re watching
the film or answer the questions for homework and bring them to our next class.
1. Where and when does the story begin?
2. How does Guido challenge and make fun of the idea of a “superior race”?
3. What’s one “trick” Guido plays on Dora while he’s courting her? Why do you think this strategy is especially effective on
her?
4. What are two signs of a changing Europe that Guido ignores or overlooks?
5. How would you describe Guido? How do people respond both positively and negatively to him?
6. Who is Schopenhauer? How do his ideas influence Guido's life and his choices?
7. What is the significance of Guido and Dora escaping the engagement party on the "Jewish horse"?
8. After Joshua enters the story, what changes do you notice in the city?
9. Why doesn't the Nazi want Dora to get on the train? Why isn't she on the list?
10. How does the lighting, use of color, and music change once they are taken by the Nazis? What happens to Guido's
behavior?
11. What does Guido tell Joshua the prize for winning the game is?
12. What are the three things he can lose points for?
13. What do you think the other men go along with Guido's game? Do they get anything out of the ruse?
14. Where is Dr. Lessing from? What is his job now?
15. What happens between Dr. Lessing and Guido? What does Guido think is going to happen in their conversation? How
does this give a kind of humanity to the people who committed these terrible acts in the concentration camps and death
camps?
16. What is it about Guido that gives him the strength to keep fighting and keep believing? Is it just his wife and son?
17. Think about Guido's final moments. He is caught and led away by a German soldier. He knows his fate. What do you
think about the way he chooses to say goodbye to Joshua? What other choices did he have?
18. Why do you think the movie is called "Life Is Beautiful"? What is both ugly and beautiful about this story? Consider the
quote at the beginning, "This is a simple story, but not an easy one to tell. Like a fable there is sorrow, and, like a fable it is
full of wonder and happiness." Where do you see evidence of these parts of life in the story?
19. What is the gift Guido gives his son? How do you think adult Joshua will reflect on his past?