Posted: September 14th, 2017

Analysis of play "Big Night": Dawn Powell, Big Night Custom Essay

Big Night is a play concerned with – among other things – a mid-twentieth-century America where all values are being overtaken by business values. A useful distinction when analyzing this play may be that between seeing someone as a means to an end and seeing someone as an end-in-themselves. Assume for the purpose of argument that the more ethical position is to treat others – especially intimates like friends or (especially) spouses – as ends-in-themselves, meaning you respect and love that person for who they are, not for what he or she could do for you. Now analyze the relationships between the characters of Powell’s play and show us whether anyone treats anyone else as an end-in-themselves, or whether all these relationships are built on utility – that is, where everyone treats everyone else as a means to an end (a means to make money, or to make better social contacts – whatever). Once you’ve established the nature of relationships in the play, focus on the character of Myra. Look at the choice she makes at the end of the play, and at the action and conversation leading up to it. Decide based on the evidence what sort of choice Myra has made. Is there a difference between the way she was used by Ed and the way she will likely be used by Jones? If there is, explain that difference. Finally, is Myra’s choice to go with Jones tragic, heroic, pragmatic, some combination of these things, or something else?

Expert paper writers are just a few clicks away

Place an order in 3 easy steps. Takes less than 5 mins.

Calculate the price of your order

You will get a personal manager and a discount.
We'll send you the first draft for approval by at
Total price:
$0.00
Live Chat+1-631-333-0101EmailWhatsApp