Essay Questions

Why does Alan get kicked out of the house?

At the end of the play Douglas kicks his son out of the home he's been living in for the last six month. The reason is that Douglas has major concerns about Alan because he is not trying to lay any of the girls. Instead he hangs out with Penny and her boyfriend, who people believe is gay. Thus, Douglas believes his son is a homosexual and doesn't want him to be around Jack and Jerry, afraid that they will become feminine and gay like Alan, rather than like him.

Why did Douglas leave Nebraska with Ronnie?

Douglas was formerly married, and had two children, one being Alan. But while married, Douglas would sleep around with other women, and was always gone. The final woman was Ronnie, whom he moved to California with, not even telling her that he was married, nor that he had a kid until their wedding night. Thus, Douglas, for one was running away from his self-created issues at home, and telling himself that he was creating a new life for himself.

What happens when Penny tells Ronnie about the dark room incident with Douglas?

Penny tells Ronnie that she cannot live in their house any longer. That Douglas came on to her sexually in the dark room while developing pictures, kissing her and grabbing her. Penny has decided to leave their home to live with Rose. Ironically, upon hearing this, Ronnie tells Penny she is overreacting and that she only has six months remaining until she is 18 and can live on her own. Ronnie avoids facing any hard truth about Douglas and instead alienates Penny in the home, allowing Douglas to rage against Penny saying she is a liar.