The Pillowman Lesson Plan

Does understanding the story of "The Little Jesus" make you feel differently about Michal? Is it more violent and horrific than the other stories?

The placement of "The Little Jesus" could be considered a tool to make the audience feel greater horror at Michal's crimes after seeing Katurian murder him. Students should consider whether or not they have experienced this impact and why. By now we have established that all of Katurian's stories are violent and gruesome, and that the violence stems from what he heard of Michal's real experience as a child. Does the amount of violence in Katurian's stories decrease its impact? Does it feel different, within the play, to read about...