Need For Money In The Family example essay topic

Brighton Beach Memoirs by Neil Simon, takes places in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, New York, September 1937. During a time of war and depression. Fifteen-year-old Eugene lives in a wooden frame house, in the lower-middle-income area inhabited mostly by jews, Irish, and Germans, with his father, his mother, his older brother, and his widowed aunt and her two daughters. As war clouds gather over Europe, the Jerome Family fight their own battles over money, living space, and desire. Aunt Blanche can't find the right man; Cousin Nora wants to act on Broadway; Smaller Cousin Laurie has an illness; Dad is sick and can't work; brother wants to see the world; and Mom is trapped in the kitchen. As for Eugene, he just wants to get along with everyone, and, perhaps, learn about naked girls.

The historical backdrop of the play is very important to the plays meaning. It influences each characters problems and tensions. The backdrop also influenced the burden of the ending. Each character had there own set of problems and it didn't get any better as time moved on through out the play. When Stanley lost his job, the need for money in the family was very important and that made Stanley's problem more dramatic.

Then when Stanley losses he's salary gambling on page 82, "In a poker game, I lost it". He again has the burden of not only the need of his money by the family but the family has only him to depend on it from since his father got ill and could not work. Having this happen in such a time period when there is war and depression going on makes this very hard on their everyday problems. As the play goes on problems seem coming with Blanche having her date with Mr. Murphy canceled because he got in an accident. And Blanche and Nora getting into a fight on page 113. And also having an earlier argument with Kate on page 100, where Blanche decides to go live with a friend instead of living with the Jerome's, "I know of a woman in Manhattan Beach.

I can stay with her for a few days. And then I'll find a job. I will do anything anybody asks me, but I will never be a burden to anyone again". Blanche says on page 103.

Near the end of the play they receive a letter", It's a letter from London. My cousin Sho lem got out. They got out of Poland. They " re free, Kate! ... His wife, his mother, all four children.

They " re sailing for New York tomorrow. They " ll be here in a week". This is going to make theirs lives very much difficult. This Family has had a very rough life with everyone having their own issue to solve and more seem to come. Have a backdrop of a crowded house, war across seas, and a poor economy just adds to the gloom of their situation.

With news that relatives from Europe are planning to come and live with them things don't seem to be getting any easier for the already problem infested family. Yet they have the ability to keep a level headed and positive look and things. They look out for each other and provide support toward pushing though the hard times..