King Hedley II

Discuss King’s characterization. What are his hopes and dreams, and what stands in the way of them? What role can he be said to play in the neighborhood’s cycle of violence, and where does he show evidence of wanting to escape that cycle?

How does this play depict masculinity? What do the various male characters consider to be ethical, right, honorable, and masculine? Do those definitions shift within the course of the play? If so, how?

Discuss Tonya’s characterization. How does she speak to the way that the neighborhood has changed and to the climate of racism and inequality that makes life difficult within Pittsburgh’s Hill District?