Essay Questions

Why is Eugene's father so stressed out?

Eugene's father was not always suffering from stress. He is a good man who provides for his family and takes his responsibilities very seriously. His stress levels elevate when Eugene's Aunt moves into the Jerome home with her two daughters, neither of whom contribute financially to the household He is finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet. This is very stressful to such a responsible man.

Another reason for his stress is the impact the new expanded household is having on Eugene's brother Stanly. Stanley has not been in the workplace for long and he is already in a job that he does not like. He has a particularly vindictive boss, with whom he argues about his treatment. This has put his job in jeopardy, and also makes his working day particularly unpleasant. He is trapped in the job though, because the family need his money to make ends meet. Eugene's female cousins do not work, and this is also very stressful for his father.

What are some of Eugene's struggles in the play?

Eugene is a teenager and so he struggles with many issues that seem huge and life changing to a boy of his age, but that are really not huge issues at all when looking back at them from adulthood. He is going through puberty, which is confusing for him, and causing him to question who he is and where his place is in the world. However, he is still of the age that is more consumed with the dream of becoming a baseball player than it is with the dream of dating a particular girl.

Eugene has a crush on his cousin Nora, which is difficult because he is confused by his feelings for her. She wants to be a dancer on Broadway, and carries herself with the confidence of a young woman who is in full control of her body, and her sexuality. The relationship between them is part sibling, part crush. This is difficult for Eugene to understand, and that is why puberty is a difficult time for him.