Question

If you watched the Film WIT, then please answer any quetion you know.

1. Why do you suppose she is putting herself through such treatment? What does this say about her self-concept?

2. A reviewer for CineScene said: “It is, perhaps, the ending that is the most beautiful. You never see it coming. And you just barely understand it. Vivian ends as she began—with a primarl need for love.” What “ending” is being referred to?

3. Did she die a good death? What does “good death” mean to you? What do you think it means to her?

4. All of these characters were a part of the film because they served a very specific purpose to the story—medical staff and patient. Were there any scenes or conversations you think really epitomized the true character of the people in this film? (for instance, the “Cancer is Awesome” or the “Popsicle” scenes?)

5. Vivian, facing the greatest challenge of her life, attempts to employ her inner strength and wit to get her through the suffering (notice she never turned her TV on). What do you think she is trying to accomplish with her wit? Did her wit sustain her? What do you think you would do in order to cope with intense suffering?

6. One movie reviewer said of Wit: “Vivian begins to understand something about life—that it doesn’t matter, in the end, how much you know. Knowledge can’t possibly comfort you in death.” Do you agree with this assessment of the film? Why or why not? Do you agree with this assessment in general about life? Why or why not? What kinds of knowledge, if any, could bring comfort?

7. How did “The Runaway Bunny” scene make sense of this film as a whole?

8. Was this film hard to watch for you? Why? Does that reflect who you are at this point in your life?

Answer 1

1. Why do you suppose she is putting herself through such treatment? What does this say about her self-concept?

The main character Professor Vivian Bearing signs up for the clinical trials out of sheer lack of decision. She had just been informed of her illness and was immediately detailed about how and what were the procedures for the clinical trials. In a state of delirium, she signs up for the trials. Her self-concept is such that she is unable to picture herself as the patient and specimen from being a doctor of philosophy and a scholar in poetry. She uses flashbacks to cope up with her illness and wants to be unburdened. There is vulnerability but there is also a need to fight her battles.

2. A reviewer for CineScene said: “It is, perhaps, the ending that is the most beautiful. You never see it coming. And you just barely understand it. Vivian ends as she began—with a primary need for love.” What “ending” is being referred to?

When she nears her end, E.M Ashford visits her and wishes to read a sonnet to ease her pain. Vivian lets go of her vulnerabilities and asks him to not read one. He reads The Runaway Bunny instead. The moment she let go of her vulnerability she is unburdened from her struggles. This is the ending.

3. Did she die a good death? What does “good death” mean to you? What do you think it means to her?

Yes, she did die a good death. To me good death means, having at least one person I love by my side. She had Susie to comfort her and share a popsicle with. That was a kind gesture. I think to her it meant letting go of her fears and embracing the inevitable.

4. All of these characters were a part of the film because they served a very specific purpose to the story—medical staff and patient. Were there any scenes or conversations you think really epitomized the true character of the people in this film? (for instance, the “Cancer is Awesome” or the “Popsicle” scenes?)

One scene struck a cord, Susie raises the subject of Vivian's preference when and if her heart stops what should be Dr. Kelekian's course of action. Vivian chooses DNR (Do Not Resuscitate). Shortly, Vivian is almost in Coma when Susie applies lotion to her hands. It was a great act of kindness and care, Vivian was in no way going to know that it happened. But it showed that small acts of kindness could ease battles.

5. Vivian, facing the greatest challenge of her life, attempts to employ her inner strength and wit to get her through the suffering (notice she never turned her TV on). What do you think she is trying to accomplish with her wit? Did her wit sustain her? What do you think you would do in order to cope with intense suffering?

It seems to have helped her as a shield to protect her vulnerabilities. Her wit and intellect were not as helpful in the end when faced with death. It did sustain her for a long time though. I have no idea how I would cope with it, I might have some preconceived notions about myself, but as a human am unsure of how I would tackle it if and when it happens.

6. One movie reviewer said of Wit: “Vivian begins to understand something about life—that it doesn’t matter, in the end, how much you know. Knowledge can’t possibly comfort you in death.” Do you agree with this assessment of the film? Why or why not? Do you agree with this assessment in general about life? Why or why not? What kinds of knowledge, if any, could bring comfort?

I do agree. In spite of all the intelligence and accomplishments, she's had when Cancer struck there was no escaping it. It was going to be painful and all that mattered were caretakers and people who dropped by to visit her. Knowledge of having people to love us in times of sorrow and knowledge that we are not alone in death and that we are loved and cared for would bring comfort.

7. How did “The Runaway Bunny” scene make sense of this film as a whole?

The Runaway Bunny scene was a testament to the fact that Vivian had to let go of her vulnerabilities (Being a patient and not a scholar or philosopher) in order to pass away peacefully. Shortly after this scene, Vivian passes away.

8. Was this film hard to watch for you? Why? Does that reflect who you are at this point in your life?

Yes, it was. Dr. Posner trying to revive her in spite of her instructions of DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) for his own research purposes shows how cruel people can be. It also shows there can be care where you least expect it, such as Susie. It does affect me right now, because am in the process of forming my own identity.
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