Brighton Beach Memoirs: Day 3

We will complete the play today.

When you finish please complete the following "quiz" grade:

• Choose 1 character in the play Brighton Beach Memoirs. 
• In a short analytical essay, explain how the character you chose goes through the 4 stages of the coming of age process. Use the 9 characteristics of a Coming of Age story to guide your answers. Use textual support (with page #'s, etc.) to support your claims.

The 4 Stages

REALIZATION -- changing, emotional and mental preparation, growing, physical changes

REMOVAL -- change of status quo or familiar environment; separation from support units (family, friends, social institutions), experimentation with "forbidden" issues/activities--testing the limits of support units/social institutions, breaking rules/laws or beliefs, etc.

CHALLENGE --- proving oneself; overcome a major problem or resolve a major conflict (killing the boss monster, growing mature, taking on responsibility, etc.)

REINTEGRATION - protagonist comes back into society; character undergoes a rebirth, new status, or new understanding or epiphany of his/her situation.

Nine Characteristics of a Coming of Age experience or story

1. Usually the protagonist is between the ages of 12-18, but can be younger
2. Adults are either "bad guys" or not important--they represent society or laws or rules--the natural order of things; in some stories a parent is missing, absent, or dead. Authority figures are often antagonists to the protagonist. (see below)
3. Usually involves a journey of some sort (this can by a physical, mental, or spiritual journey)
4. Protagonist must confront his/her fears or weaknesses
5. Conflicts with a parent /guardian/authority figure
6. Protagonist learns something important (usually about him/herself)
7. There are usually a series of tests or challenges that the protagonist must face and overcome
8. The ending may be bittersweet--there is often a loss of innocence as a protagonist matures
9. Scarification (there are often scars left--physical or/and emotional), but these "wounds" mark the protagonist as a hero--he/she has come through the "storm" and is "wiser" for the experience. Sorta like this class...

LAB: With time remaining, let's brainstorm our next writing activity. Write a short MEMORY play in which your protagonist remembers a difficult event in his/her early life growing up. Include the 4 stages of the coming of age story plot, as well as the 9 characteristics of a coming of age story in your play draft. 

1. Start off by trying to recall a dramatic moment that you experienced (or that someone you know experienced--a family member, a neighbor, a friend, etc.)--recall who was involved and maybe what was said and by whom. What was the outcome?
2. Fictionalize the details. Change the names or genders or ages of the real people involved and create a fictional cast list of at least 3 characters. You can combine people you know. If you have 2 sisters, combine them into one personality. If you have 3 wives, combine them into one grandmother. You get the picture.
3. Try to limit your cast to six characters or fewer.
4. Create a cast list with a brief description of each character (see cast list in your play scripts).
5. Describe a vivid setting for your play. Keep your play in one setting: a kitchen, a living room, a house like Brighton Beach Memoirs, a porch, etc. Base your setting on a place that you know well--although you can fictionalize this setting. Add details that are made up!
6. Choose some coming of age conflicts that your characters might talk about. Use your journal or the play Brighton Beach Memoirs for ideas. Order these conflicts from minor to major dramatic events. 
7. Begin writing your scene once you have completed all 6 steps before this one. We will be working on this play draft for a few classes, but get started!

Turn in your "quiz"/analysis of Brighton Beach Memoirs.

HOMEWORK: None. If you didn't finish your "quiz", do so at a late penalty.