Prideful Protagonists
This character has excessive pride in the context of competition and intellectual success
Gene Forrester from A Separate Peace
Who were the victims of Troy Maxson's prideful masculinity
Rose Maxson, Cory Maxson, and Gabe Maxson
This character’s pride causes him to view others as enemies because he feels like he is competing with them. He then does something to his best friend that he will always regret.
Gene Forrester
Which two protagonists’ stubborn pride blinds them from fulfilling their children's needs?
Creon from The Burial at Thebes and Troy Maxon from Fences
Which of these characters from The Burial at Thebes were NOT affected by Creon's ego: Eurydice, Antigone, Heamon, himself, or none?
None, his pride affected all of these people.
This character comes to understand how his poor decisions in the past shape his strained relationships in the present.
Troy Maxson
Which of the three protagonists, Creon, Gene Forrester, and Troy Maxon, appear to be most willing to openly confront the destructive effects of their pride?
Creon from The Burial at Thebes
What prideful action from Gene destroys Finnys' future?
He “jounced the limb” and Finnys’ broken limb.
Whose pride has the least negative impact on their life and why?
Troy Maxson
Explore what Creon’s, Gene Forrester’s, and Troy Maxon’s pride reveals about their internal struggles with identity
Gene’s pride stems from insecurity and rivalry as he uses it to assure he can remain on top. Creon’s pride is tied to his role as king, as he uses it to assure he will not face his fear of losing power. Troy’s pride reflects his masculinity and fear of failure, as he refuses to admit he was in the wrong.
How does the jealousy of Troy and Gene affect their relationship with Cory Maxson and Finny?
Troy is jealous of Corys’ success in his football career which makes them have a distant familial relationship. Finny and Genes’ relationship becomes toxic and one sided as Genes’ envy becomes increasingly present.
What are some of the same ways that Troy and Creon are both blinded by their pride?
They refuse to listen others, which causes both characters to have bad relationships with those around them.
They believe that they are always right.
They use their “power” to their advantage, only benefiting themselves instead of thinking about or having empathy for others around them.
Compare how Creon, Gene Forrester, and Troy Maxon all convey the theme that overwhelming pride can lead to destruction
Creon’s pride causes him to lose his son and wife, two people very dear to him. Troy’s pride ultimately alienates him from his son and ruins his marriage. Gene’s pride leads to the loss of his closest friend.
How do these victims feel after experiencing a prideful person in their lives?
These characters feel unloved, betrayed, and robbed. Rose was lied to and devalued because of Troys' affair. Antigone, Haemon, and Eurydice were all Creons' family, their deaths were directly caused by his pride. That is the biggest betrayal of all. And Phineas was hurt by his best friend, in the end he was robbed of his peace.
How are the effects of these characters’ pride on others throughout the book ironic?
Each character who has inflated pride ends up damaging the aspect of their life that they are proud of. Troy destroys his family, Gene tarnishes his reputation and regard amongst his classmates, and Creon relinquishes his power after the death of his family.