Study Questions

by Jay Thornton, Enumclaw Junior High Drama Teacher

"Bang Bang You're Dead" is an emotional and thought-provoking play when read, and especially when performed. In order to maximize the impact of the play and truly provide a learning moment for the audience, it is essential to follow the production of this play with discussion. Discussing the play will provide a forum for the audience to process both intellectually and emotionally what they've seen.

In an effort to keep the discussion student-based, it is advised to have the students dialogue about the play in small groups before joining a larger group discussion. The questions below are provided as a starting point for a meaningful reflection, but by no means should participants feel restricted to these topics. It is a good idea for the audience to be familiar with the questions prior to seeing/reading the play. This will help prepare the audience for the performance and the ensuing discussion.

1. During the play, Josh (in his mind) is confronted by the students that he killed. What do the students want from him?
2. If the actions of the play is taking place in Josh's own head, who is he really confronting?
3. How is Josh different at the end of the play than from the beginning? (What has Josh come to understand/learn?)
4. What hope, if any, does this play offer?
5. At one point in the play, the deceased students list a series of things they miss and a list of things they never will be able to do because of their untimely death. What do these things say about life?
6. What do you think can be done to prevent such violent acts from happening in our schools? Is it even possible to prevent such violence?
7. What do you think the playwright's purpose was in writing this play?