History In Neil Simon's 'Brighton Beach Memoirs'

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Neil Simon masterfully implements immense knowledge of American History throughout the play “Brighton Beach Memoirs”. In order for the reader’s complete understanding of Mr. Simon, becoming educated on the history of The United States, specifically the era of The Great Depression is essential. “The Great Depression in the United States is generally dated as beginning in 1929 and ending in 1941, give or take a year”(Higgs). Uneducated readers interpret this, as an era, where gradual economic improvement in The United States happened. Conversely, this ignorance “…has led many… to pass quickly over the serious depression that began in 1937” (Higgs). Historical knowledge is extremely crucial in helping the reader thoroughly understand what Mr. …show more content…

Seven mouths to feed, and only two members of the household; Jack and Stanley working, it was essential that every family member makes sacrifices. Jack commits the largest sacrifice when he decided was the best interest for the family that he works a second job. That is until The Depression reared its ugly head, causing the company he worked for, to declare bankruptcy, leaving only two incomes instead of three. The plot then thickens from here; as Stanley, a young, extremely proud eighteen year old man, gets fired from his job for insubordination, when he stands up to his boss, defending a co-worker. He can, however, keep his job if he decides to write a letter of apology, addressed to his boss, who will in turn hang the letter up, allowing Stanley’s co-workers to read it. Stanley, has yet to truly experience life, and seems incapable of making everyday decisions on his own. Needing help to determine what is more important, his principal or his job, he decides to confide in his father for advice on, what the best course of action in handling this situation. Simon works an extremely important conversation between Stanley and Jack into the play, showing exactly how the difficulties of The Great Depression, influenced decisions. He writes: “Stanley: I got fired today! Jack: What??? Stanley: I’m not finished yet. I can still get my job back. I just

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