Research the history of the American Dream and how it manifested in the 1950s. How does the American Dream come into play in Picnic? How does it compare to ideas of the American Dream today?

Imagine that you are directing a current production of Picnic. What does the play say? What issues in the play do you think audiences will find relevant? Which elements do you think might not have aged well?

Explore the characterization of Hal using specific details from the text. Do you think he’s a good person who means well, or do you think Flo is right to be suspicious of him? How do you think his relationship with Madge will turn out? What advice would you give Madge?