Essay Questions

Why is Shannon institutionalized?

In the opening of the play we discover Shannon who is an ex-mister has been disallowed from coming back to his congregation because he, in one of his Sunday sermons told the people that God is a senile delinquent. Because of this, he is institutionalized for what is said to be a nervous breakdown rather than being defrocked by the church.

Why do the tourists being led by Shannon despise him?

Since being released from the institution, Shannon has become a tour guide for a small travel agency. A 16-year old girl named Charlotte is on a tour that Shannon is giving, and we learn that Shannon is accused of statutory rape of Charlotte which the tour group discovers. Because of this, the members of the tour turn against him, sickened by his actions.

What is the significance of Hannah and Shannon's relationship?

Hannah is a woman who doesn't believe in having sex outside of marriage. Shannon meets her at the run-down motel where he is hiding out from the accusations of his statutory rape of the 16-year old Charlotte. The two become close during their time in the motel, but the reality of the pair being together doesn't come to fruition. It is the idea that on one side of the coin exists Hannah's moral commitment, and the other her connection with Shannon. But it is his running from his past rather than owning up to it that keeps them from truly connecting in a meaningful and lasting way.