Virginia Woolf - Is There a Reason Nick's Name is Never Spoken?

[GlindatheGood22]

Saw the show last week and loved it, but was wondering if there might be a reason none of the characters ever mention his name.

[Owen22]

Honey's name is never spoken either. And Honey isn't her name, it's just the standard, ubiquitous appellation she's referred to by her husband.

[little_sally]

Thank you, Owen22! I was always wondering about Honey's name.

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Nick is only referred to by his also nameless wife as "Dear," which is how Albee wanted the character listed but the producers objected so he just picked the generic male name "Nick."

[justoldbill]

Nick doesn't matter as a person. He's just houseboy or stud.

[PalJoey]

Is it time to play Hump the Hostess yet?

[best12bars]

I really wish their names were "Honey" and "Dear."

[CapnHook]

Or Honey Boo Boo Child.

[justoldbill]

Actually, that was the name Albee intended for George and Martha's blond-eyed, blue-haired son. The producers said no. Albee almost had to sue Mart Crowley to keep him from using the name for the "Cowboy" character in THE BOYS IN THE BAND.

[jv92]

best12: As do I. Why would the producers object? They put on the play, which was "taboo" in 1962. Who cares about an effing name?

[americanboy99]

I'm wondering the same thing, jv92.

[Kad]

I had the same thought. There's so much else in the play for a 60s producer to fret about.

[henrikegerman]

It makes sense for George and Martha to not call Nick by his name and for Honey to call him "Dear". There is no one left to call him Nick.