Juno and the Paycock Lesson Plan

Students should be made aware that the Irish Rebellion is a significant backdrop to the story, and not only as it impacts the underdeveloped character of Johnny Boyle. The British occupation limits the life choices and circumstances of the Irish people. Students should also understand why Mary is made to leave her home by her mother when the pregnancy is revealed. Many of the questions will deal with the motivations of the characters and why they act the way they do to their circumstances. As much as possible, the students should understand that upward mobility is an unattainable dream for the Boyles, given the occupation of their country and Jack's resistance to finding work, and that...