|
|
This is only a preview of the paper
Click here to register and get the full text.
Existing members click here to login
|
|
|
Survival is a basic human instinct, and there is no right or wrong way to deal with the threat of death. When a person is faced with death, either their own or a loved one they can cope in a variety of ways. A wide spectrum of emotions may be experienced and this is evident in the play Unity (1918) by Kevin Kerr. Each character is forced to confront the same obstacle, yet the way in which they respond is unique to the individual. Sissy, a young girl who is adamant the world will soon come to an end, hides her apprehension towards death by joking and thinking of it lightly. When asked if she is scared of dying Sissy responds: “… I’m not. I’m forming a special club. It allows both boys and girls. And it’s the end of the world club” (Kerr 29). On the other hand, her older sister Beatrice portrays a more serious, level-headed character who focuses on helping others and leaves herself no time to deal with death. “Well, we just have to be brave like a soldier” (Kerr 50). Lastly, Mary, a debutante, openly admits her fear of death and finds it to be absolutely frightening. After Bea informs her that the flu has hit Regina, Mary replies, “It did? Oh, Bea, I’m scared” (Kerr 49). Even though the girls are similar in age, they have different perspectives on death and use diverse methods to manage their fears. Sissy is a youthful girl who is very free spirited. She talks openly on subjects that young women in the early 1900’s would normally keep to themselves including death (end of the world) and sexuality. Bea describes a book that Sissy brought home “… I’m not sure I can bring myself to write of, even in this most private of places.
Approximate Word count = 1182
Approximate Pages = 4.7
(250 words per page double spaced)
|
|
|
|
|
|