Reading and Writing Questions for The Vagina Monologues
Here are some analysis questions that we may explore in class discussion or in an in-class writing. You may also use them in blogging: 1) The genre of this piece of literature is drama, meaning that Ensler wrote these monologues to be performed. Why do you think she wants vaginas to be publicly performed? Why does she want vaginas to be physically embodied? What effect does this have on the way we see and think of vaginas?
2) For Ensler, language is important? Why? What does it matter what we call body parts? What is the importance of language in defining sexuality, bodies, etc.? Why do you think she asks those questions about what vaginas would wear, etc? What is she trying to do with that?
3) Ensler seems to have two purposes in this text: to celebrate vaginas and to raise awareness of violence against women? Does she achieve both of these goals equally? Do they contradict each other at all? What is the effect of reading all the monologues as one large piece?
4) Emotion plays a huge role in what Ensler is trying to accomplish. Why is this? How does she use emotions like humor as a strategy? How does she move us from laughter to embarrassment to sadness to other emotional reactions and why do you think she is doing this?
5) Audience reaction is crucial to Ensler’s overall project. Why? Why won’t she allow us to simply read without having a reaction, whether positive or negative? Why do you think she wants to push us out of our comfort zones? Which monologues resonate most strongly (positively or negatively) with you and why?
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