Study Questions for The Lion in Winter
Names:
Henry II
Elinor of Aquitaine
Richard the Lion Hearted
John
Geoffrey
Alice
Philip Augustus
Thomas Becket

Questions:
1.) What is the basis for political power as portrayed in the movie? Consider the role of:
    age
    gender
    land
    personal intelligence
    loyalty
    troops
    love

2.) What kind of authority does Alice have?   What is kind of authority does Philip have? What kind of authority does Elinor have?

3.) Who would you pick to be Henry's successor to the throne of England and why; Richard? Geoffrey? John?

4.) In what ways is the Aquitaine important?  Why is the Vexin important?  Who controls it? And how does that person control it?

5.) Why does Henry want John, the youngest of his sons, to be king?

6.) Why is Elinor in jail?

7.) Describe the relationship between Henry and Elinor.  Is it completely loveless?

8.) Who is the most powerful person?  Why?

9.) Would you trust any of the people involved in this story?