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1. What is significant about the time of year that the play takes place and what possible reason could the author have had for choosing it?

The play takes place around the Thanksgiving holiday, when much of the hospital staff is out. One of the reasons that the author could have chosen this particular time is because Thanksgiving is well known as a huge family event and is also the source of a lot of stress, anxiety, and even suicide attempts.

2. How do the nurses interact with the patients in the beginning of the play and what does that illustrate?

Miss Cardell is trying to retrieve cigarettes from Mr. Fleming, who continuously breaks the hospital rules. The condescending behavior of the nurses is a sign that the staff is very strict in the way in which patients are handled, and also reflects the lack of freedom given to the patients.

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