Questions on Billy Elliot

Questions on Billy Elliot

A coming of age story usually explores the development of a protagonist’s mind and character as he passes from childhood through varied experiences--and usually through a personal crisis--into maturity and recognition of his identity and role in the world. The coming of age story captures the protagonist’s struggle and eventual triumph over the obstacles in his particular world.

This film is about having dreams, developing your own passions, and learning to be yourself. Billy faces many obstacles to living his dream, but he is supported by his mother’s advice to “always be yourself.” It is also a film about a parent’s love for his child and his willingness to sacrifice himself for his child’s future.

As you watch the film, you should try to keep the following questions in mind. When you are finished watching, jot down answers to the questions while the film is fresh in your mind. Be as specific as you can in your answers.

ASSIGNMENT: Each night, you are to do TWO responses: first write about one element that struck you most in that day’s viewing and explore why it struck you. What struck you might be something about a character or about a conflict or about one scene in the film. For instance, you might be struck by the humor in Billy’s having to hide his dancing. You would identify the moments in the film where he hides his dancing and then write about why you think you were struck by that particular element.

Second, identify your favorite scene you saw that day. Explain why it is your favorite.

These writings must be typed and turned in to Classroom. Each writing should be at least A Mighty Paragraph of 300 words double spaced and modeled on a good paragraph.

Questions:

First, jot down questions of fact and/or elements of the film you did not understand. All questions are to be typed.

1. The setting of the film is the working class setting of Durham, England. The specific condition of the film is a major strike by miners in the early eighties.

Many details of the film suggest the working class world that Billy moves in. List as many details of the working class life you can remember.

2. What are the specific obstacles Billy faces in wanting to learn to dance? List them.

3. Why are Billy’s father and brother so set against his wanting to dance? Give all the reasons mentioned in the film.

4. Despite Billy’s pleas, his father refuses to allow him to dance. What changes his mind? How is this moment of decision represented in the film?

5. Why does Billy’s father confront the ballet teacher?

6. The pivotal scene for Billy’s father is when he crosses the picket line to work so that he can have money for his son’s dancing. Why is the scene so emotionally charged for both the father and his elder son?

7. What is the significance of Billy’s friendship with Michael?

8. How does the film use Billy’s dancing to trace his emotional development? Think of specific instances, for example, when Billy practices pirouettes in front of his bathroom cabinet. Identify at least three moments from the film where Billy is dancing (or trying to dance) to use as trace moments. List them.

9. The film skips over several years to show Billy in the ballet company performing at Covent Garden. Why does the director include the final scene of Billy’s professional dance?

10. What is your favorite scene in the film? Explain why.