External and Internal Conflicts in Brighton Beach Memoirs Anonymous 11th Grade

In Neil Simon’s Brighton Beach Memoirs, the political and social climate from this time period had a tremendous effect on the Jerome household. Simon ties the Great Depression and the impending war to the conflicts that occur between the characters at home. Blanche, Kate’s sister, moves in with the Jerome’s after her husband passed away. Blanche’s dependency on Kate leads to tensions within the house because she feels as if she is a burden. The Great Depression, with it’s negative effects on the economy, creates friction because Jack is struggling financially. Stanley begins to work to help his father support their family, placing high responsibility and pressure on him. Jack’s physical health is another issue at home due to external conflicts. Everyone at home is dependent on Jack because he is the dominant force in the family. By overworking to support his family, his health deteriorates and causes his family to worry about him immensely.

After the loss of her husband, Blanche finds herself relying on her Kate’s family to support her and her two children. During this particular time period, men financially supported their family and women usually did not hold jobs. By moving in with her sister’s family, a financial burden is...