Whose Line Is It Anyway
"Ah, then. I fooled her ... After her last round, a mate of mine came in and smuggled me out ... We went midnight skateboarding."
Ken
Who is Mrs Boyle?
a medical social worker
If I ___ (be) late, I’ll text you
am
If it’s cold tomorrow,
(first)
If I finish my work early, I will go out for dinner tonight.
first
"Ah, now there you have me. You see I'm only a labourer in this here vineyard. Fertiliser and pruning and bedding out is up to the head gardener."
John
Why does Ken want to leave the hospital?
He wants to have control over his own life and does not want to continue living in his current condition.
If I ___ (win) the prize, I would be so happy!
won
If I were an animal,
(second)
If I were you, I would ask the teacher.
second
"When a patient is brought into my unit, he's in a bad way. I don't stand about thinking whether or not it's worth saving his life, I haven't the time for doubts."
Dr. Emerson
Why are the characters’ names significant in Whose Life Is It Anyway? Give one example.
They define a person's identity/individuality and relationship to other people. Ken loses his identity as an individual since most people address him by his last name. Dr. Scott later calls him Ken to show that they are closer and that she respects him.
If I ___ (have) more free time, I would learn another language.
had
If I had woken up earlier,
(third) (mixed)
If we hurry, we will catch the bus.
first
"Perhaps we ought to make suicide respectable again. Whenever anyone kills himself there's a whole legal rigmarole to go through - investigations, inquests and so on - and it all seems designed to find someone or something to blame."
Mr. Hill
What is consequentialism, and how can it be related to Whose Life Is It Anyway?
Consequentialism is the idea that the morality of an action depends mainly on its consequences. In the play, this can be connected to the debate over Ken’s treatment; what decision would cause the greatest good.
If she ___ (not / forget) her homework, she wouldn't be in trouble now.
had not forgotten
She would have gotten the job
(third)
If you had just called me, I would definitely have helped you.
third
"If I ever have to have a road accident, I hope it's in this town and I finish up here."
Judge (Justice Millhouse)
What is habeas corpus, and why is the idea relevant to Ken's situation?
Habeas corpus is a legal principle that protects people against unlawful detention. It allows Ken to challenge Dr. Emerson's decision
If Tom ________ (not / spend) all his money last month, he ________ (can / afford) a new laptop now.
had not spent, could afford
He would be working in a completely different field now (mixed: past impacts the present)
(mixed)
If I had taken that job offer, I would be living in New York now.
mixed (past/present) (past perfect/ would be + present participle)