Tristan Bernards Im Going Essay Example for Free

Tristan Bernards Im Going Essay According to The Hutchinson Unabridged Encyclopedia literature is, â€Å"Words set apart in some way from ordinary everyday communication. In the ancient oral traditions, before stories and poems were written down, literature had a mainly public function mythic and religious. As literary works came to be preserved in writing, and, eventually, printed, their role became more private, serving as a vehicle for the exploration and expression of emotion and the human situation. † Literature enables us to develop our minds analytically and promotes open minds. We can see the world through the eyes of different writers from different cultures and in turn learn to better handle certain scenarios in our own lives. It allows the reader to escape to a different world temporarily. In Tristan Bernard’s I’m Going! , it shines a light on an issue that is true with many couples all over the world and in all times. I liked it for the fact that is like a genre of comedies with a social message. This play is relatable to many people in the world. Unlike other works in our textbook, this play seems to have a specific issue that many couples relate to, lack of communication. In this paper, I will critique parts of this works using the reader’s response approach, the lacks of communication brought upon by the main characters and support it with evidence. I always understood the fact that we humans are essentially the same everywhere in the world. We have similar ambitions and dreams. We want and hope for mostly the same things for our families and us. I was intrigued by Bernard’s play, I’m Going! As it shows us clearly how not only couples dynamics are similar but even that most couples mistakes and arguments are similar as well. In this case, the lack of communication comes across in every point made by Henri and Jeanne. It shows us a satirical look on how communication should be effective and the misunderstandings that keep occurring with this couple. Their ineffective communication could lead to a horrible life and a game of cat and mouse that seems endless. (Clugston, 2010) I have seen many Henris’ and Jeannes’ throughout my growing up and the solution seemed always to be clear to all, except to the couple in question. In the play, Henri would never admit his obsession and addictions to his wife Jeanne. Due to the nature of their relationship, it seems his pride won’t let him open up to his partner. Instead, he tries to keep a persona that is much stronger and able than he is. Jeanne, on the other hand, does not have a clue how to persuade her husband to spend more time with her as well as abandon the habit of gambling and going to the races so often. They clearly avoid the subject until it’s time for the race again. Jeanne exhibits some fear of her husband, as well as not knowing what to do, when Henri states any excuse to have an argument avoiding the true problem. He states all the fake issues and fake reasons†¦Jeanne’s fast walk, the financial cost of her joining him to watch the races, and even the weather, all in an attempt to persuade Jeanne not to go with him. On the other hand, Jeanne does not seem to know how to face her husband or convince him reasonably why he should not go to the races anymore. She tries delicately to make it about her and his lack of effort to spend time with her. The reality is that Henri needs time for himself like everybody and needs to quit these races as a responsible head of family should know. On line 157 of I’m Going, Henri shows that us that he does love his wife but that he also is trying to outsmart her by saying just enough to keep her quiet on the matters at hand so he can enjoy the races with no consequences at home or on his own conscience. (Clugston, 2010) I like this play and the subject matter brought up. I did wish, however, to see more comedic lines to make the point even stronger. Lack of communication could be the demise of any couple in the long term and that message could have been even more emphasized. I believe this play pointed at one of the most dangerous issues couples go through in all times and places. This play reinforces the importance of communication and the importance of opening up to your other half and partner in life is a necessity. Since the first chapter, our textbook has asked us to â€Å"connect† with literature. It was asked of us to find a personal link to a story, poem or play. While examining I’m Going, I chose the reader response approach. This approach encourages, through the use of specific prompts, the readers to have personal interactions with the text, personal experiences and prior knowledge. (Kelly, 1989) This comedy uses the imagination and humor in a very smart way. It forces us to open our mind and heart to an issue that not all couples are even able to pin point. Humor can educate us about very serious matters that other types of art, schools or even life experiences may not be able to get through. With Henri and Jeanne’s ineffective communication, it brings to light other issues instead of the one at hand. They focus on other issues but if they focused on communication, they may be able to repair their relationship. Without acknowledgement of the true issue, only time can tell how long they can make it last.