Monday, February 8th Driving Miss Daisy is a play that begins in 1948 in Atlanta, Georgia. Its two main characters are an older Jewish woman and an African- American man. Based on this information alone, and based on what you know about the South during this time period in U.S. history, what are some plot points or themes that you think might arise in this play?

Today you will: Analyze historical context for the play Make predictions about the play Be assigned roles for the first part of the play

The Playwright- Alfred Uhry Born 1936 in Atlanta, Georgia to a Jewish family Drew from experiences in his own life for his plays Distinguished as the only American playwright to have won a Pulitzer Prize, an Academy Award, and two Tony Awards. Wrote a trilogy of plays about the Jewish experience in Atlanta, Georgia during this time period

The Play’s Success Opened off-Broadway in 1987 Won the Pulitzer Prize in 1988 Moved to the Big Screen in 1989 Won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1990

Setting and its impact on the play Driving Miss Daisy provides an overview of the changing values in the South between 1948 and 1973. In the story, acts of segregation and integration are fueled by the racism and prejudice of this time period. Not only is it a story about the transformative power of friendship that transcends all the societal boundaries placed between two unlikely individuals, it’s also a story about civil and human rights of the elderly as well as religious, political, and ethnic groups.

Major Characters- Daisy Werthan 72 year old Jewish widow and former school teacher Can be described as prim and proper and very critical of certain things Likes to project the appearance of independence Portrayed by Jessica Tandy in the film version, who won the Academy Award for Best Actress for the role

Main Characters- Hoke Coleburn 60 year old uneducated, working class African-American Can be described as patient and respectful Tolerant to Daisy’s early prejudices Portrayed by Morgan Freeman in the play and movie version

Boolie Werthan Daisy’s successful, 40 year old son Hires Hoke to be his mother’s chauffeur Married to Florine, whom his mother does not like Very conscious of how he is perceived by others

Given this background information… What are some predictions you can make about the play? How will Daisy and Hoke interact? Do you think you will like it?

“Driving Miss Daisy” part 1 Daisy (140) 3 people- Miriam (1)- Hoke (112) 3 people- Miss Jensen (3)- Boolie (68) 2 people- Produce man (3)- Nonie (1)- Miss McClatchey (4)- Beulah (2)- Idella (14)- Florine (5)- Oscar (10)

“Driving Miss Daisy” part 1 Daisy (140) 3 people- Miriam (1)- Hoke (112) 3 people- Miss Jensen (3)- Boolie (68) 2 people- Produce man (3)- Nonie (1)- Miss McClatchey (4)- Beulah (2)- Idella (14)- Florine (5)- Oscar (10)

“Driving Miss Daisy” part 1 Daisy (140) 3 people- Miriam (1)- Hoke (112) 3 people- Miss Jensen (3)- Boolie (68) 2 people- Produce man (3)- Nonie (1)- Miss McClatchey (4)- Beulah (2)- Idella (14)- Florine (5)- Oscar (10)

“Driving Miss Daisy” part 1 Daisy (140) 3 people- Miriam (1)- Hoke (112) 3 people- Miss Jensen (3)- Boolie (68) 2 people- Produce man (3)- Nonie (1)- Miss McClatchey (4)- Beulah (2)- Idella (14)- Florine (5)- Oscar (10)

“Driving Miss Daisy” part 1 Daisy (140) 3 people- Miriam (1)- Hoke (112) 3 people- Miss Jensen (3)- Boolie (68) 2 people- Produce man (3)- Nonie (1)- Miss McClatchey (4)- Beulah (2)- Idella (14)- Florine (5)- Oscar (10)

Tonight’s Homework Begin bringing your Literature Textbooks to class everyday starting tomorrow. This will be checked at the beginning of class