The Iceman Cometh Lesson Plan

The curtain rises on a motley assortment of sleeping drunks. What is the effect of this tableau, and how does it set us up for the rest of the play? And why are O'Neill's stage directions so detailed?

This question addresses the ways in which writers create expectations - for both the audience and the creative team. A play is not like a novel; it is meant to be brought to life by a group of collaborative artists. Some playwrights eschew lengthy stage directions, preferring to leave decision-making in the hands of directors; here, O'Neill's vision is very precise. (That doesn't mean directors will follow his instructions to the letter!)

The opening tableau sets up the themes of...