Explore How Themes Develop in 'A Taste of Honey'

"I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in mine hand, and, lo, I must die"

Delaney uses the biblical reference of a 'A Taste of Honey' as the title for her play and a key theme. 

All of the characters in the play have their 'taste of honey' - they all feel some happiness at some point.

Think about:

Jo's relationship with the Boy

Peter and Helen's relationship

Geof and Jo's relationship

Are they all punished for tasting the honey?

Jo is left pregnant and a single mother - but does this mean she has to suffer? Will she lose her chance of a better, independent life when she becomes a mother?

Helen is cheated on and left on her own again, but does she suffer because of this? She returns to care for her daughter after all.

Geof is forced to leave Jo. Will he suffer on his own again? He did say that he wouldn't be alive without Jo.

As well as being able to identify and explain the key themes in the play, it is important to consider how they develop. By asking questions of how the theme is presented and exploring the different presentations of the theme throughout the play, you can show a deeper analysis.

In this activity, you will practise this kind of analysis. 

You should always refer to your own text when working through these examples.  These quotations are for reference only.