'Night Mother by Marsha Norman

Please read Marsha Norman's 'Night Mother for Monday, June 1. There will be a test on this play when you arrive to 7th period.

As you read, consider Aristotle's requirements for a play. How is this play a plot driven by its characters? Do you feel Marsha Norman is successful in creating an interesting or socially relevant play? Take special note about how with only two characters and a single set, the story unfolds. Pay attention to character development and conflict.

A note about the seriousness of this play's theme:
Suicide is a potentially preventable public health problem. It accounts for more than 1% of all deaths in the U.S. each year. In 2001, suicide was the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S.

Among young people aged 15 to 24, suicide is the third most common cause of death. Four times as many men die by suicide as women. And 73% of all suicide deaths are white males.

Risk factors for thoughts of suicide can vary with age, gender, sexual orientation, and ethnic group. And risk factors often occur in combinations.

Over 90% of people who die by suicide have clinical depression or another diagnosable mental disorder. Many times, people who die by suicide have a substance abuse problem. Often they have that problem in combination with other mental disorders.

Adverse or traumatic life events in combination with other risk factors, such as clinical depression, may lead to suicide. But suicide and suicidal behavior are never normal responses to stress.

Other risk factors for suicide include:

One or more prior suicide attempts
Family history of mental disorder or substance abuse
Family history of suicide
Family violence
Physical or sexual abuse
Keeping firearms in the home
Incarceration
Exposure to the suicidal behavior of others

Are there warning signs of suicide?
Warning signs that someone may be thinking about or planning to commit suicide include:

Always talking or thinking about death
Clinical depression -- deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating -- that gets worse
Having a "death wish," tempting fate by taking risks that could lead to death such as driving fast or running red lights
Losing interest in things one used to care about
Making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless
Putting affairs in order, tying up loose ends, changing a will
Saying things like "it would be better if I wasn't here" or "I want out"
Sudden, unexpected switch from being very sad to being very calm or appearing to be happy
Talking about suicide or killing one's self
Visiting or calling people to say goodbye

Be especially concerned if a person is exhibiting any of these warning signs and has attempted suicide in the past. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, between 20% and 50% of people who commit suicide have had a previous attempt.