Susanna: The Text

VIRTUE TRIED

Questions for Consideration

1. What is your reaction to this pair of texts? Did you like or dislike them? Why? Which
did you prefer? Why? What issues, questions, or concerns did they raise for you?

2. Regarding the account of Susanna it has been said…

“One of the finest short stories in world literature. While inculcating lessons of morality and trust in God, the story is a model of artistic fiction. Plot, surprise, struggle, and unfolding character are present in just the right proportion, and the whole is told succinctly and pungently.”

[THE OXFORD ANNOTATED BIBLE WITH THE APOCRYPHA, Revised Standard Version, ed. by H. G. May and B. M. Metzger (New York: Oxford University Press, 1965), Apocrypha , p. 213 ]

a) To what extent to you agree or disagree with this viewpoint? Be certain to supply
evidence to support your answer.

b) Can the same be said for the story of Lucretia? Why / why not? Please explain.

3. Compare and contrast the respective portrayals of MEN and WOMEN in the accounts
of Lucretia and Susanna. What observations have you to offer as a result of your
analysis? How, in retrospect, did such an analysis affect your appreciation of,
or your reaction to the stories? Please explain.

4. Consider the following:

“Each story places sexual harassment in the context of the abuse of power. Sextus Tarquinius’ rape of Lucretia symbolizes his father’s degradation of the whole Roman nation. Likewise, Susanna’s would-be rapists are corrupt judges, collaborators with the Babylonian authorities, who have given over all sense of justice and merely use their power to oppress the people.”

[Sean Smith, “Sexual Harassment and the Perfect Woman: Two Ancient Views”, CANE Annual Bulletin 1995, p.27.]

What do these accounts have to contribute to present-day discussions of this issue?
Please explain.

5. To what extent can Lucretia and Susanna be considered “winners” or “losers”?
Please explain.

Last revised, 2/17/02
by Don Jacques, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School

VIRTUE TRIED

Questions for Consideration

	1. What is *your* reaction to this pair of texts? Did you like or dislike them? Why? Which did you prefer? Why? What issues, questions, or concerns did they raise for you?

	2. Regarding the account of *Susanna* it has been said… “One of the finest short stories in world literature. While inculcating lessons of morality and trust in God, the story is a model of artistic fiction. Plot, surprise, struggle, and unfolding character are present in just the right proportion, and the whole is told succinctly and pungently.” [THE OXFORD ANNOTATED BIBLE WITH THE APOCRYPHA, Revised Standard Version, ed. by H. G. May and B. M. Metzger (New York: Oxford University Press, 1965), Apocrypha , p. 213 ] a) To what extent to you agree or disagree with this viewpoint? Be certain to supply evidence to support your answer. b) Can the same be said for the story of *Lucretia*? Why / why not? Please explain.

	3. Compare and contrast the respective portrayals of MEN and WOMEN in the accounts of *Lucretia* and *Susanna*. What observations have you to offer as a result of your analysis? How, in retrospect, did such an analysis affect your appreciation of, or your reaction to the stories? Please explain.

	4. Consider the following: “Each story places sexual harassment in the context of the abuse of power. Sextus Tarquinius’ rape of Lucretia symbolizes his father’s degradation of the whole Roman nation. Likewise, Susanna’s would-be rapists are corrupt judges, collaborators with the Babylonian authorities, who have given over all sense of justice and merely use their power to oppress the people.” [Sean Smith, “Sexual Harassment and the Perfect Woman: Two Ancient Views”, CANE Annual Bulletin 1995, p.27.] What do these accounts have to contribute to present-day discussions of this issue? Please explain.

	5. To what extent can Lucretia and Susanna be considered “winners” or “losers”? Please explain.