« Critical Approaches to Flannery O'Connor | Main | Portfolio 3 »

April 29, 2006

amazing

Miller, Resurrection Blues (to be published in February) -- Jerz: American Lit II (EL 267)

I can't even begin to describe how impressed I am by this play. I just started to read it for the second time and it seems that every line is
so full of meaning that I am still missing things. The conversation at the beginning of the play between Henri and Felix provides a great deal of information. Just as Felix describes to her father the rate of speed at which Jeannine must have been traveling when she hit the sidewalk, he asks about Henri's dentist in the same breath. Then after hearing about a dead baby on the sidewalk, Felix tells that he is in analysis because his "dog just won't hunt." I love how Henri gets sucked into these conversations while he is trying to discuss a potential crucifixion with the leader of his country. Miller portrays Felix as a man with a great deal of personal issues on his mind an obsession with money. He asks "Charley" at the end of the play to come down from wherever he is since there is "one big pot of money" at stake. And Miller pulls no punches when Felix yells out, "Come down and get crucified!"

Posted by JenniferDiFulvio at April 29, 2006 01:38 PM

Comments

I'm glad you found a lot to discuss about this play. I always like ending the semester with an accessible work that sparks great discussion, though at the same time I'm conscious if I assigned it earlier in the term, perhaps people would have written their final papers on it instead. This play was just published in February, so we're among the first classes to study it. I'm looking forward to hearing more reactions.

Posted by: Dennis G. Jerz at April 30, 2006 04:08 PM

I've only read through to the beginning of the second scene so far, but I agree that Felix places value in money--perhaps even moral value.

As I alluded to in my agenda item, he seems to believe that it is his country's obligation to support the rich.

Posted by: ChrisU at May 1, 2006 04:17 PM

Post a comment




Remember Me?