1. How are the characters introduced? Why might the playwright use this technique to present the personalities and quirkiness of these characters to the audience or reader?

2. What has happened to both of the families? What might be the audience's reaction to this news?

3. How is Tony beginning to act more like the Sycamore family? Why?

4. How does Essie respond to Ed's uncertainty? What does this say about Essie's character?

5. How does the second act open? What new character does the audience meet? How does she add to the comedic aspect of the play?

6. Describe Rheba and her actions in this scene. Why do the playwrights say she is African American? Could someone who is not African American play this role?

7. How does Grandpa challenge Mr. Henderson? How does Mr. Henderson handle this? With whom is the audience more likely to side, Grandpa or Mr. Henderson? Why?

8. About what is "You Can't Take It With You?"

9. How does Mr. Kirby respond to Grandpa's philosophy? How do the Kirbys and Sycamores begin to become one cohesive family?

10. How is Alice different from the rest of the family? Describe the interaction between Alice and the rest of the family.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Alice and Tony meet at work.

Part 1) What is Tony's job? What is Alice's job? How does this make them compatible?

Part 2) Ironically, how does Alice's career make her odd, compared to the rest of her family?

Part 3) What draws Tony to Alice's family and vice versa? What are they lacking in their own lives that makes them fond of each other's families?

Essay Topic 2

Mr. Kolenkhov brings a guest.

Part 1) Who is the guest and why has he brought her?

Part 2) Why does the author include this character in the play?

Part 3) Based on this character, what must life have been like for immigrants during the 1930s?

Essay Topic 3

The title of the play is significant.

Part 1) To what does "You Can't Take It With You" refer?

Part 2) Whose philosophy is this? What message are the playwrights trying to get across to the audience members?

Part 3) Why would this philosophy be important to the audience when the play opened in 1936? How is it significant today?

(see the answer keys)

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