1. In Act 1, Scene 2, Weller states that "half of them are catatonic... and... the ones who do talk make you appreciate the ones who don't." Who is the quote in regards to, and what is it about the talking that bothers both characters?

2. What confession does Weller make about himself as it relates to his interaction with the family of Gladys Mayes?

3. In Act 1, Scene 2, why would Fonsia's father turn over in his grave, according to Weller?

4. Why don't "we have to worry about [Fonsia's] memory any more?"

5. How does Fonsia win the last hand of Act 1, Scene 1, and what might this foreshadow?

6. What is knocking?

7. What do the costumes of the two characters at the opening of Act 1, Scene 2 suggest?

8. What 'admiral... minor virtues' did Fonsia's father personify, and how do you think they might contrast with Weller's character?

9. What is it that you think is bothering Fonsia in Act 1, Scene 1?

10. Towards the end of Act 1, Scene 2, Weller begins misinterpreting what Fonsia says. How do these misinterpretations move the play?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How are the two characters hypocritical in the play? What does this reveal about them?

Essay Topic 2

How do Fonsia's actions and confessions in the later half of the play diverge from the facade of her character in the first half of the play?

Essay Topic 3

Why is Weller so driven to play cards? Why is winning against Fonsia so important for him?

(see the answer keys)

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