Genre
Drama; comedy
Language
English
Setting and Context
Chicago in the 1970's
Narrator and Point of View
The play is told from the perspective of the characters on-stage, in both the first and third person.
Tone and Mood
The tone is exciting and different; the mood is sexual and powerful.
Protagonist and Antagonist
Danny and Bernie are the protagonists, Joan and Deborah are the antagonists.
Major Conflict
The major conflict of the play occurs when Danny and Deborah meet for the first time, and are quickly attracted to each other sexually.
Climax
The climax of the play is reached when Deborah moves in with Danny, in his apartment and their relationship reaches a new level.
Foreshadowing
The complaints that Danny raises about Deborah are foreshadowed by the fact that they have recently moved in together, and are very different people.
Understatement
The importance of female pleasure is understated throughout the play.
Allusions
The play alludes to the sexual revolution that occurred in Chicago during the 1970's and the impact that it has had.
Imagery
There is significant imagery of romance and sexual activity throughout the play.
Paradox
N/A
Parallelism
There is a parallel between the language and terminology used in the play and its portrayal of a working-class relationship in Chicago.
Personification
N/A
Use of Dramatic Devices
The play uses comic relief effectively in order to engage the audience throughout the play.
