1990. Choose a novel or play that depicts a conflict between a parent (or a parental figure) and a son or daughter. Write an essay in which you analyze the sources of the conflict and explain how the conflict contributes to the meaning of the work
I have read and understand the sections in the Student Handbook regarding Mason High School's Honesty/Cheating Policy. By affixing this statement to the title page of my paper, I am certifying that I have not cheated or plagiarized in the process of completing this assignment. If it is found that cheating and/or plagiarism did take place in the writing of this paper, I understand the possible consequences of the act, which could include a "0" on the paper, as well as an "F" as a final grade in the course.
Sami Villagran, Esteban Gonzalez, Nikki Van Voorhis, Emily Moser, Addyson Miklos
Nichole Wilson
Bell 4
30th October 2013
You Can't Take It With You
Wilson
AP Literature
October 30, 2013
Prompt
1990. Choose a novel or play that depicts a conflict between a parent (or a parental figure) and a son or daughter. Write an essay in which you analyze the sources of the conflict and explain how the conflict contributes to the meaning of the work. Avoid plot summary.
Thesis
You Can't Take it With You by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart satirizes the Sycamore family to create a conflict between Tony and his father about his choice to marry Alice, which exposes the American upper class’ false belief that money leads to happiness.
General Synopsis:
In this play, the first scene is a very (purposefully) scattered and unorganized characterization of the Sycamore family. The mother, Penny, is writing plays, while her husband is in the basement creating fireworks, and her daughter, Essie makes candy while in her ballerina shoes. All of these events happen at the same time, and this is a typical day for the Sycamores. Though it seems like madness, everybody is simply doing what they love, without any thought about money. And they are happy. Alice, daughter of Pen the calmest of the Sycamores, goes out on a date with Tony Kirby. Tony proposes to Alice the night after their date, but Alice does not believe that his parents will accept her quirky family, and her point is reinforced by continuous humorous interruptions by her family members. Tony suggests that their families should have dinner, in hopes Alice will find the family’s are compatible, thus ensuring their eventual marriage. However, the Kirby’s come on the wrong night, and they experience the craziness of the Sycamore family through an secret-exposing game. Mr. and Mrs. Kirby will not allow Tony to marry Alice. Alice is so upset, she almost leaves home, which is unheard of in the Sycamore household. However, her Grandpa confronts both Tony and Mr. Kirby, exposing their unhappiness. Grandpa is essentially the voice of reason, and Mr. Kirby listens and gives his approval and becomes open to a new idea of individualism.
Playwright Background Information:
George S. Kaufman was a satirical playwright. Before writing plays, he was a reporter and critic which ultimately lead to his role as drama editor for the New York times. He frequently collaborated on his plays with others, and in You Can’t Take It With You he collaborated with Moss Hart.Kaufman hated Hollywood, and it took a lot to get him away from New York City. He had an affair with Mary Astor.
Primary characters:
Alice Sycamore, Tony Kirby, Grandpa Vanderhof, and Mr. Kirby are the main characters.
Setting:
This play is set in New York City, at the Sycamore’s living room. The time period was around 1937.
Key Plot Moments:
Grandpa is confronted for Tax evasion by the IRS, but ultimately finds a way around it. Alice plans out the evening she believes the Kirby’s are coming over to meet her family so that the family’s get along; unfortunately, the Kirby’s come early and see the Sycamores for who they really are. The game the families play together exposes the Kirby’s for who they really are.Grandpa’s argument with Mr. Kirby is the ultimate resolution for the entire play.
Symbols/Motifs.
The Sycamores living room and the game both the Sycamores and the Kirbys play is symbolic for true individualism.
Themes:
Exposing unhappiness, acquiring self-knowledge.
Stylistic Devices:
Satire, characterization, allusions to the government and the time period. (The Great Depression, the IRS.)
Rationale
In reading the play You Can’t Take it With You the play fit the ap prompt perfectly . the proposed the argument that it originated from the pressures and expectations put on them by society and as the play progresses, they find that happiness is desired over money or success.
We chose Act one scene one because it illustrates the stress Alice goes through in worrying that Tony’s family will not approve of her’s and the quirky characteristics they put forth. With this Internal struggle brought to air, Tony (Shrek) is right there to reassure her that everything would be alright, and he will make sure approval can be met. This sets the stage for the play, and shows the audience that their relationship is strong and obstacles are willing to be overcome. Act 2 scene one was incorporated, because it represents an important scene in the play, the dinner table interaction. At the table Shrek works hard to gain acceptance from Fiona’s father, but he is not impressed. In turn, Fiona becomes angry not at Shrek, but at her father, due to the fact that Shrek’s efforts for approval were overlooked, and a chance was not even given. Lastly, Act 3 scene one was chosen because it brings the source of their struggle to light, unhappiness. Donkey (grandpa) helps the king understand that pushing Fiona into a lifestyle she does not want is pointless when she has already found happiness in Shrek. Money could never be a source of happiness in life, but having a daughter who is content is. With the king apologizing to Fiona, and sentiments finally assuaged, the conflicts were able to add to the overall theme in the piece, which is that happiness is desired over money or success.
WHY WE CHOSE THE SCENES:
Act 1 Scene 1: This scene begins with Fiona and Shrek discussing their marital problems. These issues derive from their belonging in two different worlds. This adaptation follows Act 1, Scene 2 where Alice and Tony are speaking primarily about the same issues.
Act 2 Scene 1: This scene portrays the family at a dinner scene all together. This was chosen to mirror Act 2, Scene 1 from the original play. This is a key scene between the all characters because it vividly displays the tension between the two families caused by social separation.
Act 3 Scene 1: Derived from the original act 3 scene 1, this scene is both climatic and resolute. Donkey is paralleled to Grandpa, and his discussion with King Harold is essentially a juxtaposition of their worlds. King Harold is rich and powerful, yet he is unhappy with his life. However, Donkey does whatever makes him happy. Although Donkey is not wealthy, he is significantly happier than King Harold.
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