"Dr. Heidegger's Experiment"

Front

What is the main theme of 'Dr. Heidegger's Experiment'?

Back

The main theme is the exploration of the nature of youth and the consequences of trying to regain it.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Front

Who are the four characters selected by Dr. Heidegger for his experiment?

Back

Mr. Medbourne, the Widow Wycherly, Colonel Killigrew, and Mr. Gascoigne.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4

Front

What does Dr. Heidegger use in his experiment to restore youth?

Back

He uses water from the Fountain of Youth.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Front

What is Mr. Medbourne's background before his downfall?

Back

He was a prosperous merchant who lost everything due to reckless speculation.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Front

How do the characters feel about their old age at the beginning of the story?

Back

They are all old and angry about being old.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Front

What is the significance of Dr. Heidegger's statement, 'I will be happy just to watch'?

Back

It reflects his role as an observer and his understanding of the folly of trying to regain youth.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Front

What conflict arises among the characters when they regain their youth?

Back

They begin to fight over the Widow Wycherly.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Front

What lesson does Dr. Heidegger's experiment ultimately teach the characters?

Back

It teaches them that the pursuit of youth can lead to selfishness and conflict.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4

Front

What literary genre does 'Dr. Heidegger's Experiment' belong to?

Back

It belongs to the genre of allegorical fiction.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4

Front

How does the setting of the story contribute to its themes?

Back

The setting, an old study filled with relics, symbolizes the passage of time and the contrast between youth and age.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3