Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Dissatisfaction

All of the play's characters are eventually revealed as being horribly dissatisfied – particularly in their marriages and careers. Their disappointments and failures tend to make them bitter and seem to drive many of their actions. The state of the characters is perhaps a comment on the growing dissatisfaction of many Americans during the 1960s.

Questions About Dissatisfaction

1. How is George and Martha's dissatisfaction reflected in their actions?
2. In what ways are Nick and Honey dissatisfied with each other?
3. In what way is Martha dissatisfied with herself?
4. When can dissatisfaction be a good thing?

Chew on This

Martha's dissatisfaction with George lies more in the fact that he actually loves her, than the fact that he's failed in life.

George and Martha's deepest dissatisfactions are reflected in their conflicting descriptions of their imaginary son.