As we go from children to teens to adulthood, we seldom stop to think about how difficult it can be for people to raise children in today's world. Truth be told, it was always hard.
As long as people have been young, there has always been temptation. Even more true, there has always been resentment. Are their instances where this does not exist?
Of course.
For some, raising children is not as hard as it is for others.
In the case of the Wingfield family, there is a growing hostility that threatens to destroy the line between love and hate - concern and overbearing, meddlesome behavior.
As children, we often tell ourselves that we will be different from our own parents. The truth is that's very hard to accomplish. We are the sum total of our experiences.
Southern Gothic relies heavily on the idea that parents/authority figures (especially ones like Laura Wingfield) lord over their children in a way that is overbearing because they are trying to deal with their feelings of inadequacy as people...and parents.
This is key to understanding intricate psychology that is the "push-pull" in the Wingfield family.
1. Choose one important symbol in this scene. Discuss why the symbol is appropriate to the character it is associated with.
2 Give two themes that are suggested in this scene. For each theme statement, provide supporting details.
3. Outline an unresolved conflict in this scene. Discuss why the conflict is unresolved.
4. The scene ends with Amanda making a telephone call to sell magazine subscriptions. Briefly explain why the scene ends this way.
5. What are Amanda's concerns about Tom?
6. Are they legitimate (meaning, does she have good reason to be afraid for him)?
7. Do you think her concern has in any way shaped the way he is? Explain.
8. How have your parents or guardians shaped you, in either positive or negative ways?
9. What have your parents done or said to cause you have to develop these character traits?
10. What will you do to influence your own children (or children you may already influence in some way, such as a niece or nephew, etc)?
Questions for Scene Four are due at the end of class, Wednesday (12/14/16). Please keep in mind that this is a 25 point assignment. I would like to see well formed responses and complete sentences.
