Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf Study Guide

Reality vs Illusion

The characters struggle with their illusions that they have put up with to live day to day. But by the end of the night they soon realize that they must contend with and confront reality.

Marriage and Family

Marriage and starting a family is what everyone desires at this time period. But Albee questions whether or not that is necessarily true with Nick, Honey, George, and Martha. They all seem miserable in their marriages and fail to conceive children, something they believe will amend their faults and issues.

Ambition and Success

Martha constantly brings up the idea that George is a “flop.” Because he is not running the History department, something that George comes to resent with Martha. George is in competition with Nick someone who is starry eyed and young entering into the biology department. Being able to do whatever he wants while George is stuck.

George

Married to Martha and a member of the history department. Once in love with Martha it has now faltered into one full of barbs and snide comments at one another.

Martha

A bombastic and loud mouthed woman. Who wields her social status and power over the other characters as the president of the university’s daughter. Upset that George is not farther in his career then she would hope.

Nick

A young new member of the biology department of the college hoping to get on Martha’s good side.

Honey

Nick’s wife and is petite and boring.

What is the turning point(s) in the play?

• Martha brings up their son in front of Honey.

• George tells Martha that their son has died.

What are some conflicts that happen within the play?

• George, Martha, Nick, and Honey all struggle without living with their illusions.

• George and Martha spar with each other for a show but love one another.

• Nick and Honey have resentment towards one another. 

• George and Martha fight with Nick and Honey. But primarily Nick.

What is the setting of the play?

In the 1960’s at George and Martha’s home, set on a New England college campus

Virginia Woolf

Virginia Woolf’s name is replaced in lieu of “the Big Bad Wolf” from the song, Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? As Virginia Woof’s writing is known to be in touch with their feelings. Something the characters are not.

Alcohol

Helps inhibit the character's rationale and the personas they present. Allowing themselves to express how they truly feel about their lives and one another.

Babies

Something the characters feel that they have to want. But can't exactly have one. Martha speaks in a childish tone, George and Martha call each other baby, and when Honey gets drunk she curls up like a baby.