Discussion Questions

The Ballad of the Sad Cafe

Are there similarities between Cousin Lymon in Ballad and Hal in Picnic? Hal is fundamentally a good person, but can the same be said of Cousin Lymon? How are the similar? How are they different? In what ways do they affect the towns they enter, and vise-versa? In what ways do these men affect the women in the town?

A Doll's House

In what ways is Picnic an adaptation of Ibsen’s A Doll’s House? Are there parallels? What are the differences? What is the significance of these differences?

Are there echoes of Ibsen’s characters in Inge’s? Think in terms of setting, themes, and even specific moments. For example, we never actually see the highly anticipated Christmas ball take place in A Doll’s House, nor do we get to attend the picnic in Picnic. What is the significance of this and other parallels?

Gender Roles

In what ways do the characters in Picnic adhere to their gender roles? In what ways do they diverge from these roles? Are there consequences when they do diverge?

What does the language that the characters in Picnic use surrounding gender/gender identity reveal about their world and outlook? Are there lines from the play that you feel encompass certain characters’ mindsets regarding gender?