Question

Brighton Beach Memoirs

Read the questions below. You may complete the questions during the viewing of the movie and afterwards.

What roles did males and females have in society during the late 1930’s? Using the movie as proof, provide three examples that prove your conclusion above. Males and females have in society during the late 1930’s males are the providers of the family and the women stay home to serve.
How does the movie introduce the characters in a way for the viewers to become familiar with them?
Why do you think Neil Simon creates the character of Eugene to be a person who is very imaginative?
How does the music in the background add to the mood of the scenes in the movie?
How does Eugene react to all the blaming and criticism from his family members?
Why do you think many of the characters are intimidated by Kate Jerome (Eugene’s mother)? Explain her characteristic traits.
What is symbolic about the private conversations Nora and Stanley have with Jack Jerome?
Satire writing that uses humor, irony or wit to make a statement. Why does Neil Simon use this type of writing in this play? Explain.
What were some struggles the teens faced in the movie? Choose one character and explain their conflict and how it was solved?
How has the character of Eugene changed since the start of the movie? Explain his progression.

Answer 1

In the movie Brighton Beach Memoirs, the roles of males and females in society during the late 1930s are depicted through various characters and their actions.

In the movie Brighton Beach Memoirs, the roles of males and females in society during the late 1930s are depicted through various characters and their actions. Three examples of these roles are:

1. Eugene's father as the provider: Eugene's father works hard to support the family financially. He holds a job and takes on additional work to make ends meet, showing the traditional gender role of men as primary providers.
2. Blaanche as a stay-at-home mother: Blanche, Eugene's aunt, is portrayed as a dedicated wife and mother who fulfills the domestic responsibilities. She takes care of the household chores and looks after her children, highlighting the expectation for women to serve the family in that era.
3. Nora as a housewife: Nora, Eugene's older sister, is shown as someone who helps with the household tasks and supports her parents. She represents the idea that women should prioritize family and home over pursuing individual aspirations during that time period.