Text Analysis

1. Theme

The simple virtues exists in the hearts of poor laboring people who see to remain untouched by the modern money-oriented culture.To take it easy and relax. Life could be much happier.

2. Structure

1) Part 1 (para. 1-165 ):Provide adequate background information about the setting, introduces the main characters and presents the conflicts.

2) Part 2 (para. 166-328): Describe how the conflicts are resolved.

3. Previewing questions

1) Where does the story take place? Is there anything unusual about this barber shop?

2) Where did Harry come from? How did he decide to settle down here? What is his life philosophy?

3) What do you know about Clark and his family? Do they get along? Why does he quarrel with his wife?

4) What do you know about Miss McCutcheon? Do you think she will stay in O.K.-by-the-sea long?

5) What do you think of the writer? What do you think makes him hang around in this small barber shop for such a long time?

4. Further discussion

1) What is the setting of the play? Does the setting have any significance?

O.K.-by-the-Sea: not a perfect place, but one where you can be happy as long as you relax and take it easy

2) Who are the main characters in the play? Do a character analysis.

Harry the barber, generous-hearted, broad-minded, understanding working man, “take-it-easy” life philosophy

Miss McCutcheon, new teacher from California, uptight and struggling to fit in

3) What are the major conflicts of the play?

✔Clark Larrabee & his wife

✔Clay’s wish to find a pearl and the faint possibility

✔Miss McCutcheon’s choice between stay and leave

✔Miss McCutheon’s wish to help the children and the way she does it

4) What is Harry’s role in the conflicts? What makes him the protagonist?

He is embodiment of human goodness and simple virtue of common working people. He is a character where all conflicts converge and who serves as catalyst to all their solutions.

5) How are the conflicts resolved?

✔Clark decides to make up with his wife.

✔The writer buys the oyster.

✔Clay realizes maybe there is no pearl in the oyster.

✔Miss McCutcheon decides to stay.

✔Miss McCutcheon learns from Harry how to help troubled children