Wit

Consider the way in which Wit is developed as a theme throughout the play. How are witticisms used in the dialogue and content? What message does Edson convey regarding Wit in connection to the play’s other themes?

Teaching Suggestion: This Discussion/Analysis Prompt invites students to consider the multi-faceted uses of Wit throughout Edson’s play. Readers might first review their responses from the Personal Connection Prompt to recall how Wit is defined. Students might work in pairs or small groups to first generate examples from the play including the references to Donne, specific lines concerning humor and irony, and the language of the play itself before addressing the prompt’s questions individually.

Differentiation Suggestion: For an approach that includes extended discussion on the use of language in the play, students might recall Vivian’s initial monologue in which she specifies the presence of humor and irony in the play. Working in small groups, students should identify 2-3 examples of humor and irony from the script’s language. How do humor and irony in general relate to the central themes of the play?

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.