1. The opening scene of Act I Scene IV has Miss Leah, Sophie, and Fannie awake, while Minnie and Frank are the last to get up. How does this indicate how each of them leads their lives?

2. What does Fannie reveal to Minnie in Act 2, Scene 1 about her knowledge of physical abuse?

3. What vision does Sophie have for Nicodemus?

4. What is Sophie's reaction when Minnie hands over the deed and what does that say about Sophie?

5. What does a woman have to consider in addition to her love before she leaves a husband? How does this affect Minnie and the people she knows?

6. There is talk of speculators around Nicodemus. Who are they and what do they want? How do they influence the future of Nicodemus?

7. When Minnie consoles Frank, she mentions "our deed." When Frank talks about the future he speaks about a "chance for [him] to get back on [his] feet." How do these statements show how each of them feels about their marriage?

8. Act I, Scene V ends with Minnie's news about her pregnancy. How does this complicate her life even further?

9. Miss Leah is not usually one to stand silent, but when it comes to domestic abuse she says very little. Why doesn't Miss Leah say anything to Minnie even though she knows Frank is likely to hit again?

10. What is Minnie thinking while Frank beats her up in Act 2, Scene 3?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Fannie, Sophie, Miss Leah, and Wil are hard-working folks who wants nothing more than an honest living that allows them to reap the benefits for which they work. Circumstances lead them to plot and execute murder. Write about how these good people end up committing such a crime and whether or not it is justifiable.