Facing Death

Understanding the text

Answer the following questions.

a. Where does the play take place?

The play takes place in Monsieur Durand’s dining room.

b. Why do the grocery, the baker and the butcher send their bills to the Durand household?

Since Durand has neglected to pay their bills for an extended period, the grocery, the baker, and the butcher have sent their bills directly to Durand's household. As a result, they are unable to receive any additional items until the outstanding bills are settled.

c. Why does Monsieur Duran spend money on candles when he doesn’t have money to buy even bread?

Monsieur Durand doesn't have enough money to buy bread, but he still spends money on candles because he wants to light the candles on his son's death anniversary. Durand's son, Rene, died when he was young, and it deeply saddened him.

d. Why did Monsieur Duran sell his life insurance?

Monsieur sold his life insurance to pay off the loan to his debtor. He was in the worst condition and the debtor was furious with him for not paying his money.

e. Why has Monsieur Duran paid fire insurance?

Monsieur Duran paid fire insurance because he wants to help his daughters with their financial problems. His plan is to intentionally burn down his own house and then file for compensation.

f. How did Monsieur Duran and Mrs. Duran run out of their inheritances from both the sides? Monsieur Durand and Mrs. Duran ran out of their inheritances from both sides due to Mrs. Duran's irresponsible and unwise speculation. They lost their parental and maternal assets in the process.

g. Why does Monsieur Duran tell a lie about his birthplace?

Monsieur Durand tells a lie about his birthplace because he used to love a woman before his marriageable age. In order to marry her, he departed from his hometown and relocated to Switzerland. He resorts to this deception to safeguard his and his wife's reputation, as well as to conceal his involvement in fighting against his homeland on Switzerland's behalf. By concealing his sense of humiliation, he chooses to tell a lie.

h. What business is Monsieur Duran running to make a living?

Monsieur is running a lodge to make a living. He turned his house into a lodge and restaurant. His visitors may stay with him there. He made it like such a hotel with a good facility to earn money.

i. What plan does Monsieur Duran have to help his daughters with money?

Monsieur Durand plans to burn his house and end his own life to help his daughters financially. He bought fire insurance so that he can claim money after his house burns down. He wants to give up his life to support his daughters.

j. How does Monsieur Duran die?

Monsieur Durand takes his own life by drinking poison and setting his house on fire at the end of the play. His intention is to provide financial assistance to his daughters through the compensation from his fire insurance policy.

Reference to the context

a. Sketch the character of Monsieur Duran.

Monsieur Duran is a complex character driven by a deep sense of responsibility and love for his family. Despite facing financial struggles, he selflessly plans to burn his own house and ultimately commit suicide to secure financial support for his daughters. This desperate act stems from his unwavering determination to ensure their well-being, even if it means sacrificing his own life. Monsieur Duran's resourcefulness shines through as he cleverly pays for fire insurance, seeing it as a potential means to provide for his daughters in his absence. His actions reveal a character who is willing to go to extreme lengths and make difficult choices for the sake of his family.

At the core of Monsieur Duran's character lies a profound sense of loss and grief. The tragic death of his son, Rene, deeply impacts him, and he seeks solace in preserving his memory by burning candles on his death anniversary. This personal tragedy has a lasting effect on Monsieur Duran, shaping his emotions and driving his actions. Furthermore, his willingness to fabricate his birthplace and hide his involvement in conflicts with his homeland reflects his desire to protect his own reputation and that of his wife. Monsieur Duran's character embodies a mixture of secrecy and deception, stemming from his past and the need to shield himself and his loved ones from judgment.

b. How do we know that the Duran family has reached a dead end?

The Duran family's plight and their arrival at a dead end become evident through a series of circumstances in the play. Firstly, their accumulation of unpaid bills is a clear indicator of their financial distress. The fact that the grocery, the baker, and the butcher have resorted to sending their bills to the Duran household suggests a prolonged inability to settle their debts, reflecting a dire financial situation.

Secondly, the exhaustion of the Durans' inheritances from both sides serves as a telling sign of their desperate circumstances. The play reveals that Monsieur Duran and Mrs. Duran have recklessly squandered their parental and maternal assets through Mrs. Duran's imprudent speculation. This reckless behavior has led them to deplete their financial resources, leaving them in a state of financial ruin.

Overall, the combination of unpaid bills, the depletion of inheritances, and the reckless financial decisions of Mrs. Duran highlight the family's dead end. Monsieur Duran's extreme plan to burn down their own house and sacrifice his life for the sake of his daughters' future financial security further emphasizes the desperate measures they feel compelled to take in the face of their dire circumstances.

c. ‘The mother, though already dead, seems to have had a great influence on the daughters, especially Theresa.’ Do you agree?

Yes, I agree that the mother, even in her absence due to being deceased, appears to have exerted a significant influence on the daughters, particularly Theresa. Despite no longer being physically present, her presence seems to linger in the thoughts, actions, and decisions of her daughters. This suggests that her impact on their lives was profound and enduring.

Theresa, in particular, seems to have been deeply shaped by her mother's influence. Her mannerisms, beliefs, and values appear to mirror those of her mother. It is possible that Theresa looks up to her mother as a role model and seeks to emulate her in various aspects of her life. This influence might be evident in the way Theresa interacts with others, makes choices, or carries herself throughout the play.

Overall, it seems that the mother's presence, despite her physical absence, continues to shape the lives of the daughters, particularly Theresa. This highlights the lasting impact that a mother can have on her children, even beyond death.

d. Discuss the relationship between Monsieur Duran and his wife.

Monsieur Duran and his wife had a complicated relationship. They loved each other, but they also had many problems. Sometimes they argued and felt frustrated with each other. Monsieur Duran cared a lot about his wife, and he was willing to do anything to help their daughters, even if it meant doing something extreme like burning down their house for insurance money.

However, there were also things that made them unhappy in their relationship. Monsieur Duran lied about where he was born to protect their reputation, which suggests that there were secrets and issues between them. Mrs. Duran's risky and unwise decisions with their money caused them to lose their inheritances, which added more strain to their relationship.

In simple terms, Monsieur Duran and his wife had both good and bad times together. They loved each other, but they also had problems that affected their relationship.

e. ‘Money determines the relationship between characters in this play.’ Elaborate this statement with examples from the play.

Money plays a pivotal role in shaping the relationships between characters in this play. The financial struggles faced by the Duran family illustrate this influence. Monsieur Duran's failure to pay bills leads to tension and dependency, as essential items are withheld until the debts are settled. Additionally, Mrs. Duran's reckless speculation results in the loss of their inheritances, straining their relationship and highlighting the impact of money on their lives.

The characters' relationships are further impacted by the consequences of financial decisions. Mrs. Duran's misguided speculation not only affects their financial stability but also strains her relationship with Monsieur Duran. The loss of their assets creates a sense of desperation and dependency, as they struggle to make ends meet. This demonstrates how money troubles can deeply affect relationships, leading to conflict and hardship.

In an extreme act driven by financial desperation, Monsieur Duran plans to burn down their house and commit suicide to claim insurance money for his daughters. This showcases the lengths individuals may go to alleviate financial burdens and provide for their loved ones. The profound influence of money on decision-making is evident, as Monsieur Duran is willing to sacrifice his own life for the sake of his daughters. This extreme act highlights the significant role that money plays in their lives, driving them to desperate measures.

Overall, the play emphasizes the impact of money on the relationships between characters. Financial struggles, poor decisions, and extreme actions driven by desperation all underscore the profound influence that money exerts on their lives. It showcases the strain it places on relationships, the conflicts that arise, and the sacrifices individuals may make to secure financial stability.

f. Monsieur Duran kills himself so that his daughters would get 5000 francs as the compensation from the insurance company. What does his plan tell us about him?

Monsieur Duran's plan to end his own life in order to secure 5000 francs as compensation for his daughters reveals his deep love and concern for their future. Despite facing dire financial circumstances, he is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to provide for his children. His plan showcases both his selflessness and the desperation he feels in the face of their financial struggles.

By resorting to such extreme measures, Monsieur Duran highlights the depths of his despair and the lack of viable alternatives he sees. He believes that his death is the only way to secure a substantial amount of money for his daughters' well-being. This speaks to the immense pressure he feels and the lengths he is willing to go to overcome their financial burdens.

However, his plan also raises ethical questions about the pursuit of financial stability. While his intentions are driven by noble motives, taking one's own life is a tragic and irreversible action. It prompts us to consider the moral dilemmas individuals face when confronted with severe financial hardship and the choices they make in the face of such challenges.

g. Discuss Facing Death as a modern tragedy.

"Facing Death" is a modern tragedy that explores the themes of mortality, despair, and the human condition. The play delves into the emotional and psychological turmoil experienced by Monsieur Duran as he contemplates taking his own life. It reflects the contemporary struggle to confront the reality of death in a society that often hides it away.

One aspect that makes the play relevant to modern audiences is its exploration of societal pressures and the search for meaning in a materialistic world. Monsieur Duran's financial struggles and his desperate plan to secure money for his daughters highlight the influence of money and material possessions on human lives. It raises questions about the value placed on material wealth and the moral implications of extreme actions driven by financial desperation.

Furthermore, "Facing Death" portrays the isolation and alienation experienced by Monsieur Duran, reflecting the modern condition of disconnection and loneliness. It addresses the individual's search for connection, purpose, and understanding in a world that can feel indifferent and devoid of meaning. The play invites audiences to reflect on their own mortality and the existential struggles faced in contemporary society.

In summary, "Facing Death" stands as a modern tragedy that delves into the themes of mortality, societal pressures, and the search for meaning. It addresses the emotional turmoil faced by individuals in confronting death and reflects the contemporary struggle with materialism and isolation. Through its exploration of these themes, the play prompts audiences to contemplate their own mortality and the profound impact it has on their lives.

Reference beyond the text

a. Write a few paragraphs describing the role of the father in the family.

The role of the father in the family is multi-faceted and essential to the overall dynamics and functioning of the household. Traditionally, the father is seen as the head of the family, providing guidance, protection, and support to his spouse and children. His role extends beyond just being a provider of financial resources, as he plays a crucial role in shaping the emotional and psychological well-being of his family members.

One primary role of the father is that of a protector. He is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of his family, both physically and emotionally. This role is often associated with providing a sense of stability and being a source of strength during challenging times. The father's protective nature extends to safeguarding the family's interests and making decisions that promote their well-being and future prospects.

Additionally, the father serves as a role model and mentor for his children. Through his actions, he teaches them important values, morals, and life skills. Fathers often take on the responsibility of imparting discipline, setting boundaries, and guiding their children towards responsible behavior. They are instrumental in shaping their children's character, self-esteem, and sense of identity.

In conclusion, the role of the father in the family is multi-dimensional and significant. From being a protector and provider to a mentor and role model, fathers contribute to the well-being and development of their family members. Their presence, guidance, and support are instrumental in shaping a loving and thriving family unit.

b. In his famous essay “The Experimental Novel,” Emile Zola says:
This is what constitutes the experimental novel: to possess a knowledge of the mechanism of the phenomena inherent in man, to show the machinery of his intellectual and sensory manifestations, under the influences of heredity and environment, such as physiology shall give them to us, and then finally to exhibit man living in social conditions produced by himself, which he modifies daily, and in the heart of which he himself experiences a continual transformation. (21)
To what extent do you agree with Zola’s idea that human beings’ intellectual as well as emotional capacities are determined by their environment and heredity? Discuss with examples including Facing Death.

Zola's idea that human beings' intellectual and emotional capacities are influenced by their environment and heredity holds significant validity. The characters and their behaviors in "Facing Death" exemplify this concept, highlighting the impact of both nature and nurture on individuals.

In the play, Monsieur Duran's financial struggles and desperate actions reflect the influence of his environment. His challenging circumstances, including the burden of debts and the pressure to support his family, contribute to his emotional distress and ultimately drive him to extreme measures. These external factors, rooted in his social conditions, shape his decisions and actions, illustrating the impact of environment on his behavior.

Furthermore, the daughters' characters and choices are influenced by both their hereditary traits and upbringing. For example, Theresa's reckless and impulsive behavior can be attributed to a combination of her inherited traits and the environment in which she was raised. Similarly, the influence of heredity and environment is evident in Suzanne's cautious and responsible nature.

By examining these examples, it becomes evident that human beings' intellectual and emotional capacities are indeed influenced by their environment and heredity. While individuals may possess innate traits inherited from their parents, these traits are shaped and molded by the conditions in which they are raised and the experiences they encounter. Both nature and nurture play crucial roles in determining an individual's behavior, emotions, and decision-making processes.