(A Raisin in the Sun, Hansberry)
The following is a clip from the movie version of the play Rent. The scene is focused on the aspects and evidence of the artistic ideas and new ideals: "La Vie Boheme". [Warning: This clip contains many crude comments and mature material, view with discretion.] This clip captures the passion of dreams and desires for equality of A Raisin in the Sun through the declaration of pride against the discriminatory image of society (the business men). Whether it be civil rights or gay-rights, both A Raisin in the Sun and Rent call for a change through an expression of courage, dignity, and pride. While A Raisin in the Sun lacks the crude and catchy music of Rent, both pieces boldly display this desire for change. There is complete honestly of opinion and conviction of Momma's family that will lead to the equality that needs to occur, despite the burning glares of society and stress of money and position. These works are computable in that both have the dreams, passion, and a call out to Langston Hughes in both!
Monday, February 28, 2011
I Don't Wanna Talk Small Talk...
(A Raisin in the Sun, Hansberry)
The characterization and setting of A Raisin in the Sun offer more information about the tale than the dialogue and plot combined. As the story opens with the well-worn and clean apartment, the intentions and history of the family are revealed. Obviously this is a family of pride and appreciation for for their lifestyle. Even though they wish for more and have dreams, they are grounded in a apartment of memories, shared meals, deep conversation, and dreams of the future. Additionally the characters reveal this pride and spirit, shown in Momma's care for all the needs of the family or Ruth's concern for every member to do as they need. Or the work of the entire family to clean and pack and dance and fight in the apartment; the apartment represents the family: traditional, loved, but too small for the future. The crowded apartment calls for a change. The emotions and stage directions of the characters reflect this crowded aura, though not only the shared beds and tightspaces but also the constant interuption in conversation and bursting-passion moods. As a play, this work is able to fully use the setting and characters.
The characterization and setting of A Raisin in the Sun offer more information about the tale than the dialogue and plot combined. As the story opens with the well-worn and clean apartment, the intentions and history of the family are revealed. Obviously this is a family of pride and appreciation for for their lifestyle. Even though they wish for more and have dreams, they are grounded in a apartment of memories, shared meals, deep conversation, and dreams of the future. Additionally the characters reveal this pride and spirit, shown in Momma's care for all the needs of the family or Ruth's concern for every member to do as they need. Or the work of the entire family to clean and pack and dance and fight in the apartment; the apartment represents the family: traditional, loved, but too small for the future. The crowded apartment calls for a change. The emotions and stage directions of the characters reflect this crowded aura, though not only the shared beds and tightspaces but also the constant interuption in conversation and bursting-passion moods. As a play, this work is able to fully use the setting and characters.
A Shadow of Dignity
(A Raisin in the Sun, Hansberry)
Within this work, one theme stands above the rest: the effects of money. There isn't action in this book that doesn't connect to the results of having money. There are the obvious connections such as the fighting between Walter and Beneatha and Travis' desire to join his classmates by having 50 cents. However, the money has effected deeper concepts such as the family's dreams and desires. From Momma's blooming garden to Ruth's house to Walter's business. Instead of centering on hard work or determination, this family is looking for a miracle, a way of escape that they can only associsated with money. However, this theme transcends to greater importance at the very end, when Walter rejects the money for dignity. The raisin of dying dreams gains a sheltering shadow of dignity from the stresses of the society.
Within this work, one theme stands above the rest: the effects of money. There isn't action in this book that doesn't connect to the results of having money. There are the obvious connections such as the fighting between Walter and Beneatha and Travis' desire to join his classmates by having 50 cents. However, the money has effected deeper concepts such as the family's dreams and desires. From Momma's blooming garden to Ruth's house to Walter's business. Instead of centering on hard work or determination, this family is looking for a miracle, a way of escape that they can only associsated with money. However, this theme transcends to greater importance at the very end, when Walter rejects the money for dignity. The raisin of dying dreams gains a sheltering shadow of dignity from the stresses of the society.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Beyond Themes and Plots
(The Glass Menagerie, Tennessee Williams)
The emotions and characters of this work are timeless and predictable. They can be found in other works and are easy to figure out However, while being predictable is less interesting, this element allows the characters to be relatable to the reader. Each character can become personal and impacting. Amanda is more than a nagging and old-fashion mother, she is also someone that has been heart-broken and holds fears for her children. Beyond an exterior of shyness and lacking self-confidence, Laura is a coy and patient woman willing to work with the flaws of the people she loves. This is shown as she patiently listens to her mother and accepts her brother's independence. Tom appears to only be a selfish and independent soul, but one cannot bypass his efforts to get his sister a suitor as well as his overall remembrance and care for his family by creating this memory play. In short, the characters of this play and any play should be considered for more than what their character description offers. Characters should be analyzed as much as the themes and plot of a work.
The emotions and characters of this work are timeless and predictable. They can be found in other works and are easy to figure out However, while being predictable is less interesting, this element allows the characters to be relatable to the reader. Each character can become personal and impacting. Amanda is more than a nagging and old-fashion mother, she is also someone that has been heart-broken and holds fears for her children. Beyond an exterior of shyness and lacking self-confidence, Laura is a coy and patient woman willing to work with the flaws of the people she loves. This is shown as she patiently listens to her mother and accepts her brother's independence. Tom appears to only be a selfish and independent soul, but one cannot bypass his efforts to get his sister a suitor as well as his overall remembrance and care for his family by creating this memory play. In short, the characters of this play and any play should be considered for more than what their character description offers. Characters should be analyzed as much as the themes and plot of a work.
Out with the Old, in with the New
(The Glass Menagerie, Tennessee Williams)
The Theatrical elements of this play impact an important theme of this play: the rejection and differences of the two generations. While the diction and spoken word display the separating generations, the actions, costume, and stage effects paint this theme perfectly. This occurs with every violent fight between Tom and Amanda, such as when she is throwing and criticizing his books and works. The music that play throughout the work marks important times of change and emotion, such as when Amanda and Laura grow more separated in different opinions of men and their future. This difference of opinion of men is further displayed in the costuming of Laura and Amanda during the dinner party: Amanda holds onto traditional Southern values while Laura acts as her shy yet honest self. The unicorn stage piece represents Laura's unique personality, and as it breaks, she finds herself, a separate woman from her mother. She is free from her mother's nagging and worries. The lighting of the play offer lasting impacts of this theme as Tom leaves his mother and the older generation in the dark.
The Theatrical elements of this play impact an important theme of this play: the rejection and differences of the two generations. While the diction and spoken word display the separating generations, the actions, costume, and stage effects paint this theme perfectly. This occurs with every violent fight between Tom and Amanda, such as when she is throwing and criticizing his books and works. The music that play throughout the work marks important times of change and emotion, such as when Amanda and Laura grow more separated in different opinions of men and their future. This difference of opinion of men is further displayed in the costuming of Laura and Amanda during the dinner party: Amanda holds onto traditional Southern values while Laura acts as her shy yet honest self. The unicorn stage piece represents Laura's unique personality, and as it breaks, she finds herself, a separate woman from her mother. She is free from her mother's nagging and worries. The lighting of the play offer lasting impacts of this theme as Tom leaves his mother and the older generation in the dark.
Please, Please Don't Leave Me
(The Glass Menagerie, Tennessee Williams)
Within Williams piece, a few distinct themes are developed among the characters and setting. From the listing of the characters and throughout the entire play, the impact and effects of the father's escape is evident. Laura, the mother, treats her children with persistent nagging and worries in fear of her husband's departure. More importantly, the "nail-less" escape has impacted Tom, who reflects his father's love of adventure and passion. This is displayed as Tom uses the fire escape only to enter/exit the house and refers to his father's leaving as a genius magic act. He is willing to destroy his family to join a union and fights constantly with his mother over his actions and books. The stage elements and directions also display this theme of departure/ the unseen force and character such as when the photo of the father was lit, a persistant grinning face. This family has been torn apart by this one action; the father is the most powerful and central character. This theme isn't unique to the family; the gentleman Jim also shows the effects of leaving as he cheats on his finance; this action is simple ripping this fictional world apart.
Within Williams piece, a few distinct themes are developed among the characters and setting. From the listing of the characters and throughout the entire play, the impact and effects of the father's escape is evident. Laura, the mother, treats her children with persistent nagging and worries in fear of her husband's departure. More importantly, the "nail-less" escape has impacted Tom, who reflects his father's love of adventure and passion. This is displayed as Tom uses the fire escape only to enter/exit the house and refers to his father's leaving as a genius magic act. He is willing to destroy his family to join a union and fights constantly with his mother over his actions and books. The stage elements and directions also display this theme of departure/ the unseen force and character such as when the photo of the father was lit, a persistant grinning face. This family has been torn apart by this one action; the father is the most powerful and central character. This theme isn't unique to the family; the gentleman Jim also shows the effects of leaving as he cheats on his finance; this action is simple ripping this fictional world apart.
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