Clybourne Park

What is the effect of the characters constantly interrupting each other, and seeming to never come to moments of agreement or compromise? How might this be related to issues of race, class, and/or gender?

Lena isn't explicit or aggressive when she first tries to present her concerns about Steve and Lindsey's proposed demolition and construction on her great-aunt's house. What does this demonstrate about her character?

Many markers of class are casually brought up in both acts of the play. Identify three and explain what these markers reveal about the characters involved in their expression.

What is the role of humor in Clybourne Park? Why might the author have chosen to employ humor in dealing with topics like race, class, gender, and ability?

What were some similarities and differences between the first and second act regarding expressions of discomfort, prejudice, and discrimination? Did the characters in the second act seem less bigoted than those in the first? How and why?

Identify three characters who attempt to deny their privilege and/or power. For each character, describe how they do this, and the effect that it has on others.

What does Steve mean by his comment that, "The history of America is the history of private property" (74)? How does Lena interpret it? What are some other possible interpretations for this statement?

When talking about their concerns, the characters in both acts are all restrained in some way from saying what they actually want, or mean, to say. What are the restraints in Act One? Act Two? And why do the characters adhere to them? Do they ever break down? How and why?