One of the strongest themes in Three Tall Women is the way an individual's perspective on aging changes as he or she gets older. This theme is often found in poetry as well, particularly in the work of the English Romantic poets of the early nineteenth century. Read William Wordsworth's "Ode: Intimations of Immortality" (1804) or selections from William Blake's collection of poetry, Songs of Innocence and of Experience (1794). Contrast the portrayal of childhood and adulthood expressed by Albee, Wordsworth and Blake. In what ways are they different? How has the passage of time affected the way people view age and experience?

The protagonist's life was largely shaped by her childhood in the early part of the century. Research the "Jazz Age" of America in the 1920s. Describe what life was like for the wealthy in the larger cities on the East Coast...