Aim: How does the play explore the various

power dynamics between couples?Do Now: Do you think Martha and

George were ever in love? What do you imagine their courtship to have been

like?

“I think it’s colored our whole life.” 62

• Boxing Match – Martha punches Georgeo How was George supposed to react to this?

• Emasculationo To what extent is George in control of his own masculinity?o To what extent in Martha’s emasculation of George a statement on her

own issues with gender? Think: What is she saying about herself?

“POW!!!” 62• Exaggerated antics!• Barring the obvious

idea that George would secretly like to kill Martha, how does this little scene with the gun become symbolic of George and Martha’s relationship?

“Drink now! Drinks for all!” 64

• What is the role of alcohol in this play? What are the characters trying to do?

Power Play• This first act is titled, Fun and Games. Martha

and George are playing with their power over each other in this section. Who is in power?

• During which scenes does Martha have the upper hand?

• What about George?