Objectives:
- Introduce Eugene O’Neill and the historical context (early 1900s America, small-town life).
- Understand major characters and setting.
- Analyze themes of adolescence, family, and societal expectations.

Activities:
- Lecture/Discussion: Overview of Eugene O’Neill’s life and career; contrast with his usual tragedies.
- Reading Assignment: Act I (entire act).
- Discussion Questions:
- What does the setting tell us about American life in the early 1900s?
- How is Richard Miller portrayed as a teenager? How do his ambitions clash with societal norms?
- Activity: Character Map – students create a visual map of relationships and traits introduced in Act I.
- Homework: Journal entry: Write from Richard’s perspective about a typical day.

Objectives:
- Examine family dynamics and generational differences.
- Analyze humor and irony in dialogue and character interactions.
- Explore themes of innocence, rebellion, and coming of age.

Activities:
- Reading Assignment: Act II.
- Discussion Questions:
- How do the parents react to Richard’s behavior? What does this reveal about their values?
- Identify examples of humor. How does O’Neill use comedy to convey serious themes?
- Activity: Debate – “Should Richard be allowed to make his own choices, even if risky?”
- Homework: Write a short scene imagining a modern-day version of Act II.

Objectives:
- Analyze conflict resolution and moral dilemmas.
- Explore romantic themes and societal expectations.
- Understand dramatic techniques, such as pacing and dialogue.

Activities:
- Lecture/Discussion: Overview of Eugene O’Neill’s life and career; contrast with his usual tragedies.
- Reading Assignment: Act III.
- Discussion Questions:
- How does Richard’s character develop in this act?
- What role does Nat Miller play in resolving tension?
- How does O’Neill balance humor and seriousness here?
- Activity: Role-play key scenes to explore character motivations.
- Homework: Write a letter from Richard to a friend explaining his feelings about the events of Act III.

Objectives:
- Discuss the play’s resolution and overarching themes.
- Evaluate how O’Neill’s comedy differs from his tragedies.
- Synthesize understanding of characters, themes, and historical context.

Activities:
- Reading Assignment: Act IV.
- Discussion Questions:
- How does the ending reflect Richard’s growth?
- What is the significance of family support and understanding in the play?
- How does this play fit into the larger context of American drama?
- Activity: Group project – create a modern adaptation poster or short performance of a scene.
- Homework: Essay or presentation analyzing one major theme (coming of age, family, or societal norms) with textual evidence.