August: Osage County

Choose one of the characters and write a narrative of what you believe happens in their life after the play. Use evidence from the text to explain your choices.

Letts makes a point to include details about the play’s setting and time of year in the title. What is the significance of the time and place in the play? Research the history of the area to bolster your argument.

The play presents a moral and ethical conundrum through the relationship between Ivy and Little Charles. How would you describe that conundrum, and what details does the play offer that support or condemn their relationship? What do you think is the play’s final verdict? Do you agree? Why or why not?

After reading the play, watch its 2013 film adaptation. How is the film different from the play? What is lost or gained by changing to a different medium? Which do you think is better suited for the piece?

Discuss how the play represents the genre of Southern Gothic literature. In particular, consider the Weston house, how it is described, and how it functions in the play. Use specific evidence from the text to make your points.

August: Osage County debuted in 2007, when it received critical acclaim, accolades, and even a Pulitzer Prize. What elements of the play are still timely and relevant? What elements may not have aged as well or might need to be rethought? Why?

How does the play represent the cycle of abuse? Consider how abuse passes from one generation to another in the play and investigate each instance. Does the play offer a solution to end the cycle of trauma? If so, what is it?

What arguments does the play make about maintaining family connections and the function of familial obligation and responsibility? Who benefits from these obligations? Who doesn’t? Do you agree? Why or why not?