Plot Events
The phoenix does this at the story’s climax, killing Poldero and the audience.
What is "burst into flames"?
The phoenix’s flames symbolize this for greedy characters.
What is punishment or consequences?
“It was too quiet, too classical.”
What is the public’s reason for ignoring the phoenix?
Lord Strawberry does this to acquire the phoenix instead of buying a fake.
What is "travel to Arabia and win its confidence"?
Lord Strawberry’s aviary represents this problematic idea.
What is "colonial possession" or "control of nature"?
“Specially imported from the East.”
What is the phoenix’s cage label?
Poldero’s three methods to age the phoenix (name one).
What are starving it, removing heat, or spraying it with water?
The label calling the phoenix "specially imported from the East" critiques this.
What is exoticism or imperialism?
“The legend of centuries is materializing before our modern eyes.”
What does Poldero say during the phoenix’s final spectacle?
The reason the public loses interest in the phoenix.
What is "it’s too quiet and classical"?
The audience’s preference for violent spectacles symbolizes this societal flaw.
What is "desensitization to cruelty"?
“It costs a great deal of money to keep up an aviary.”
What is the reason Lord Strawberry dies penniless?
The item Poldero sells before the phoenix’s death to make extra money.
What are the film rights?
The phoenix’s rebirth after the fire suggests this hopeful idea.
What is "resistance" or "new beginnings"?
“All the fantastic pomp and passion of the ancient East…”
What is the loudspeaker’s exoticized description of the phoenix?