What is referred to by the title? What are implications of the imagery on this flag?

In what time period is this play set? Can you think of other British dramas set in the middle of a revolution?

This play was severely attacked by its first audiences after its publication in 1926. Can you see some reasons why Irish audiences of the time might have found it controversial?

How effective is the four act division of the play? In particular, what is the function of act two?

O'Casey describes the play as a tragedy--are there also elements of tragi-comedy?

What functions are served by humor throughout the play? What are some instances of comic reversals?

Act 1: What do we learn from the setting described at the play's beginning? For example, what seems significant about the picture of Robert Emmet, the reproductions of Jean-Francois Millet's "The Gleaners" and "The Angelus," and the sword?

What does the author tell us about Peter Flynn and Fluther Good? What do we expect from these descriptions? (conflict)

What do we learn about Nora Clitheroe's character and life from Mrs. Gogan's comments? (frugal, aspiring, fond of her husband) Does Mrs. Gogan seem a reliable or unbiased witness? (catty and censorious)

How does she behave toward her boarders? (helps keep them clean and tidy)

What demonstration is expected that night?

Why according to Mrs. Gogan has Jack Clitheroe lost interest in serving in the Citizen's Army?

Who argues with whom and over what? What does the audience learn from these conflicts?

What is the tone of the song which closes this act? (romantic--all deteriorates from her onwards)

What summary of the house's inhabitants is provided by Mollser? (all lack common sense)