The King Must Die

Mary Renault

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Study Questions and Essay Topics

Study Questions

Theseus feels sorry for the Cretan nobles and thinks that they are "finished, played out" (258). What are the similarities between Cretan society and life today?


What is the role of love in The King Must Die?


Suggested Essay Topics

Compare and contrast Aigeus and Theseus.

Select two of the different kingdoms described in the novel and compare them.

Compare the older Theseus who narrates the story with the young Theseus in the story.

What is Ariadne's role in the story?

The idea of honor is very important in the book. What, if anything, does honor mean today?

Was life in ancient Greece, as portrayed in this novel, better or worse than it is today?

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