1.“You
don’t ask no questions. You don’t answer no questions unless you want to wind
up like that.” Examine
the workers’ responses throughout the film. Why are those so reluctant to speak out
against the crime and injustice that they are exposed to?
2.Edie
and Father Barry represent the moral consciousness of the group. They both
encourage others to stand up for what is right. How do Edie’s words, “Did
you ever hear of a saint hiding in a church?” serve as a catalyst for Father Barry to
act?
3.Johnny
Friendly’s interactions with his posse of followers inside The Bar reveal a lot
about the corruption that exists within the Longshoreman Local Union and the
ways in which Friendly maintains control. Make a list of the ways in which this
loyalty is insisted upon by Friendly and his henchmen.
4.One
of the key factors in Terry’s life is his lack of education and his simplicity.
How do these scenes establish this? Keep a list of the references to Terry’s
education in the film. When does his posture and demeanour change in the film?
5.Is
Johnny Friendly a completely unsympathetic character? Justify your responses
with evidence from the text.
