Amadeus

Playwright Peter Shaffer has been famously criticized for inventing a historical narrative in Amadeus. Research the real history of Mozart and Salieri and choose one aspect of the story that Shaffer created or changed. How does this change create meaning in terms of the play’s overall message?

Considering Mozart’s unhappy end, who do you think is at fault for his fate? Why? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

How does the play treat the women characters? Be specific. Considering that they are shown through Salieri’s eyes, what does this depiction say about how Salieri views women?