The Iron Lady

After watching a movie with your children or students, we encourage parents and teachers to look for education opportunities to teach with movies. Here are a few discussion topics that can help with lesson plans or teaching in the home.

Learn more about the real Margret Thatcher here: http://www.margaretthatcher.org/essential/biography.asp

In the movie, Meryl Streep becomes the iconic Margaret Thatcher. How effective are the make-up artists at creating this effect? Does the mimicking of voice and body movements make the impersonation more convincing? How hard do you think it would be to take on this type of acting challenge?

According to the script, what drives Margaret Thatcher to pursue such a hard line throughout her political career? What effect does that have on her colleagues? How does it impact her family? How do her actions influence the way they respond to her?

What kinds of things does Margaret Thatcher consider important? How does she feel about the traditional role of women, especially as it was viewed during the 1950s when she first ran for office? Do you think her feelings have changed any by the time she retires?

What do you think are the most significant contributions you could make to society? At the end of your life, what things will you want to be remembered for?