1. Do investments(stocks, bonds, real estate, etc) and gambling
lie on opposite sides of the spectrum, or are they closer than
often thought? What are the similarities, and what are the
differences?
2. Does gambling expose something fundamental about hope�our need
to believe things can change, even when the odds are not
necessarily in our favor? (pg 84)
3. �In Sophocles� fragment from Phaedra(pg 112) � �A wise thrower
ought to accept his throws and score them, not bewail them� �
gambling is used as a metaphor for life. In the context of
gambling itself, what does it mean to �accept your throws�? Does
this
suggest that wisdom in gambling comes not from trying to control
chance, but from how one responds to wins and losses? How might
this perspective shape our understanding of risk, luck, and
responsibility at the gaming table (and beyond)?�
4. "Cake, good cake, was scarce nowadays." The time period of the
story showed great economic struggles for many, but still many
characters wore expensive gowns and gambled for leisure. Why do
you think all these people were still gambling with so much more
at risk? (p121)
5. Following from the previous question, who do you think
gambled more during these times? The already wealthy or those
who could barely afford food?
6. On page 132, a man earned a 1000 pounds from a drunk man
in a simple game. He was then convinced by another drunk
character named Major to bet it all on the horse least likely to
win the next race. By the time he told his fiancee and learned
of his mistake the money was already gone. Does it matter if the
Major character was actually going to bet it on the horse or
just take the money?