Act I “A Few Good Men” Analysis Questions

Answer the following questions in your notebook.

1. What is a “code red”? What code red took place at the beginning of the play? How does it affect the rest of the play? How does “code red” present one of the main themes of the play?

2. Explain the external conflict between Kafee and Colonel Jessup. Support your explanation with 1 quote.

3. Explain the external conflict between Jo and the rest of the male characters. Support your explanation with 1 quote.

4. How is the title of the play related to one of the main themes? Explain which theme specifically and why.

5. Provide a quote from the text that justifies the following characterization of LT DANIEL A. KAFFEE – Lead Male – spunky, self-absorbed, a bit chaotic, but very talented lawyer who finds himself being challenged and stretched in ways he’s never been. Rarely leaves the stage. Rapid-fire intelligence and caustic wit. Loves hearing himself talk and thinks he’s cool, but learns a valuable lesson about duty.

6. Provide a quote from the text that justifies the following characterization of LT CMDR JOANNE GALLOWAY – Lead Female – highly motivated go-getter who still thinks she needs to prove herself as a woman in the military. Knows the truth, but finds it tough when others can’t recognize it. Tries to fight in the purest sense of the word but knows when she’s outmatched – but goes down fighting. A real fiery character who sometimes bites off more than she can chew.

7. Provide a quote from the text that justifies the following characterization of LT COL NATHAN JESSEP – Supporting Male – the essence of Marine: tough, focused, uncompromising, powerful in speech and physical presence, intimidating to everyone, but still able to schmooze when necessary. Believes he is the hero of the story and just might be right. A truly edgy, scary, but fascinating man.

8. What is the setting of this act? What is the importance of this setting? If this play was written in any other setting would it still be as relevant?

9. The dialogue between the characters uses specific language that is referred to as “jargon”. Jargon is language from a specific field or job. What effect does the language have on the characters and the audience?

10. What parts of the plot are covered in Act I? Explain your answer.