D.

Van Wyk
English II Honors

Cry Freedom Questions

DO NOT WRITE ON THIS PAPER--USE YOUR OWN NOTEBOOK PAPER
PART 1-Complete the following chart:
Character

Describe the setting and

appearance of the following
characters. Also evaluate this
character's lifestyle such as who
interacts with the character and
any change or development of the
characters.

What do these characters

symbolize within the system of
Apartheid? (The moderate, new
school, old school, etc.)

Donald Woods
Krueger (Head of the
Police)
Steve Biko
Nowtaking these characterizations into consideration, what message is the director trying to
give about these different factions (the moderate, new school, old school)?
PART 2-Answer the following questions:
1. Describe the images the director opens the film withwhy are they appropriate? Why do
you feel he makes this choice?
Use the below quote from the movie to help you answer questions 2 & 3:
[To obtain or move closer to black consciousness] We demand confrontation, we must
teach our people to confront hardships, not just give in to their hardships. We must find a
way to develop hope for themselves and hope for their country. This is black consciousness.
2. Steven Biko discusses the idea of black consciousness in Cry Freedom. In your own
words explain what you think he meant by this phrase.
3. How do Steven Biko and Donald Woods promote black consciousness?
4. When Biko makes his speech at the soccer match it is quite a while before the camera zooms
in on him. How is this effective?
5. Why has the director used flash backs of Steven Biko even after his death?
6. What is your impression of Steven Biko at the end of the film?
7. What is the name of the postal worker who takes Donald Woods across the bridge? How is
this significant?
8. Why isnt the last scene about the Woods family flying to freedom? How does this "framing"
add depth to the movie?
9. How did showing this movie contribute/detract from your reading Steve Biko's letters?