1. Show how Teddy’s degradation becomes more extreme in this act.
-
Search It!
-
Recent Entries
-
Links
Blog at WordPress.com. Theme: Cutline by Chris Pearson.
1. Show how Teddy’s degradation becomes more extreme in this act.
Categories: The Homecoming
8 responses so far ↓
Jarred // March 9, 2009 at 4:41 am |
submitting
LIAM // March 9, 2009 at 6:32 am |
SUBMITTING FOR THIS QUESTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Charles // March 9, 2009 at 8:03 am |
Submitting…
Matt // March 9, 2009 at 8:07 am |
submitting…….yea
LIAM // March 9, 2009 at 8:26 pm |
Early on in the Act, we see Lenny trying to engage Teddy in a philosophical discussion about a table; however Teddy refuses to be drawn into this discussion. This is ironic as Teddy himself claims to have a Ph.D. in philosophy. This raises the question of whether Teddy actually does have a Ph.D. Throughout this act, Teddy passively observes what is happening between Ruth and the other members of his family, but is either unwilling or unable to put a stop on it. Throughout the play, Teddy has appeared as a character that lacks power, but this part of his character is put to the extreme in this Act. Teddy adds to the drama of this Act when he agrees with the family’s proposition to Ruth and does not even try to persuade her against her when she accepts. This would have amazed a 1960s audience, as it goes against family values. Teddy informs his wife, “Ruth . . . the family have invited you to stay, for a little white longer. As a . . . as a kind of guest. If you like the idea I don’t mind. We can manage very easily at home . . . until you come back”. The ellipses used in this small speech suggest that her return to America is doubtful, even to him. Without any enthusiasm whatsoever, Teddy says “or you can come home with me”. It seems that Teddy now accepts that he has lost his wife to the other men of his family, and he is not even going to dissuade her staying.
Mrs. Wagner's A-Level English // March 9, 2009 at 9:40 pm |
It in fact would have shocked audiences in the 1960s, and it still shocks us today!
Jarred // March 14, 2009 at 5:36 am |
When Teddy first appears on stage with Ruth, he appears nervous and insecure, making pointless conversation and attempting to justify and assure himself of everything he says. However, by the second act, it seems that Teddy has managed to control himself much more, although this may not work in his favour. When Ruth is propositioned by Lenny et al about staying on in London, Teddy offers no objection. This is a clear contrast with his dialogue in the first act, in which he attempts to pander to her every need.
However, one could challenge the question by saying that Teddy doesnt necessarily degradate in Act Two, but in fact becomes stronger than the other characters. This could be supported by his response to Ruth’s suggestion that he should show his family his “critical works”. He states “You wouldn’t understand my critical works…. I can see, I am able to see… You’re lost in it all”. This could signify a change in Teddy’s mindset, which contrasts with the way he is portrayed in the Act One.
Charles // March 15, 2009 at 10:04 am |
From the very start of this act, the character of Teddy becomes more and more distant from the reality of the situation. The scene where the degradation of Teddy’s character is best seen is where Ruth first kisses Lenny.
Throughout this whole scene Teddy “stands, with Ruth’s coat”. Not only has Teddy been relegated to the position of Ruth’s coathanger, but his moral degradation is seen in that he makes no attempt to stop his brother. He is so far removed that he stands by while his brother takes advantage of his alledged wife of 7 years. The only dialogue Teddy has in this scene is when he asked about his critical works. He breaks into a long monologue about how the others would not ‘understand’ his work, and that they are incapable of being able to ’see’. This is confusing for the audience, as on one level Teddy is so morally corrupt that he stands by while his wife and Lenny caress each other, but at the same time he takes an intellectual high ground over the others.