The Homecoming Lesson Plan

Explore the dynamic between Max and Lenny.

Though Max is Lenny’s father, the two men engage in a rivalry of sorts. Max frequently asserts that he is still strong enough to take Lenny in a fight: “I could have taken care of you, twice over. I’m still strong.” Neither men respects the other, and both men trade insults frequently and seemingly without much thought (“Why don’t you shut up, you daft prat?” “I said shove off out of it”). Each man also threatens the other with violence (“You’ll go before me, Dad, if you talk to me in that tone of voice”). However, Max seems to hold more contempt for Lenny, while Lenny merely disrespects his father by purposely provoking him.

How...