1. How does Grandpa challenge Mr. Henderson? How does Mr. Henderson handle this? With whom is the audience more likely to side, Grandpa or Mr. Henderson? Why?

2. What is Grandpa's philosophy on life? How does this relate to the title of the play?

3. What does Alice's father do when she comes into the room? Why does he do this?

4. Describe the dinner. How does this begin to heal the wounds of the night before?

5. What might Tony's words "every couple has challenges with family dynamics" foreshadow?

6. How does the family respond to this crisis? How does this prolong the hilarity of this scene for the audience?

7. Describe Grandpa Vanderhof. From where is he returning? What does he enjoy about this activity?

8. What does Alice declare to her father? Why does she say this?

9. How is Tony reacting to Alice's behavior? Why is he reacting this way?

10. What have Paul Sycamore and Mr. DePinna been doing? Why is this odd?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Mr. Henderson is an unexpected guest to the home.

Part 1) Who is he? Why is he there?

Part 2) How does Grandpa react to Mr. Henderson's arrival? What is the outcome of this situation?

Part 3) How can both audiences of 1936 and audiences of today relate to this encounter? Would many agree or disagree with Grandpa? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Essie and Penny are interested in the arts.

Part 1) What art form does Essie study? In what art forms does Penny participate?

Part 2) Describe these two characters' artistic endeavors. Are they very successful? Do they take themselves and their art seriously? Do others take them seriously? Use the text to support your response.

Part 3) Why do the playwrights have the arts as an important aspect of this play? What message are they trying to convey to the audience?