The Spatial Experience
After waiting in the lobby for a good fifteen minutes, entering the theatre was a surreal experience. It was almost majestic, as the crowd filled the dark, large, glamorous room. There was a feeling of “royalty” and maturity that swept over me as I walked towards my seat. Luckily, my seat ended up being at the exact center of the theatre in the second row. I was in a position where the actors of the play were above me. Looking up to watch the performance, and being a only a few feet away from them, made me really feel like I was really there in the play. In the beginning of the play, it didn’t seem too realistic, because I was able to see every imperfection of each actor’s costumes, and and flaws in the sets. But as the play continued I really immersed myself in the play. When the lights dimmed and the audience quieted, it was almost as if we shared the same unspoken direction, to fully listen to the play. The role of place makes a huge difference in the quest for the good life. It is important to acknowledge the differences in places, and then experience what life has to offer. The place you live in makes an impact on your interests, hobbies, and beliefs.
The Social Experience
I went to the play by myself, expecting to be by myself the whole night. But when I arrived at the Reitz Union, I ran into my old friend from camp 2 years ago and awkwardly stuck with her and her friend, of whom I did know not know the name of. I decided to follow them and sit with them. The beginning was a little awkward, as I didn't know them well, but as the play continued we became closer. We shared a special bond through watching the play. When dramatic scenes happened we turned to each other for consolation. After the play, we took turns taking weird pictures, and I met up with their friends. I would have to say it was a great social experience. No matter their opinions of the play, we all went through it together. The role of sharing experiences is very large in the Good Life, it is important to live life with others, so you can reflect together on what it means.
Cultural and Intellectual Experience
The story took place in 1905 in Quebec City. The issue addressed the struggles of the working class and the oppression of the Church . The story gave a voice to the lower class and the issues they face in social mobility. They emphasize that many people of the middle and upper class believe in the illusion that people choose poverty. These powerful claims did change my views. I can now see how hard it is for poor people to move up in life. They are given no extra help, and if they are, it comes at a heavy price. This can be related to the silver spoons Talbot earned to give his mother by accepting the molestation by the Catholic Church priest. In today's world, poverty still reigns and holds back many people from succeeding in society. Children of the working class do not receive the same education as those of wealthier classes, and then do not receive the same opportunities. I am extremely privileged, and do receive the same injustices black folks and people of the lower class face.
The Emotional Experience
The play gives us an opportunity for katharsis by providing dramatic depressing scenes. The story led up to one moment where it all went crashing down. Throughout the play the young boy, Leo Talbot, complains of having to hid underground in order to avoid being seen by outsides of the work factories. Once again he is forced to stay in there while wealthy people visit the work factory. Meanwhile they are arguing above him, he is knocking several times. Eventually they open the underground door, and the child is dead. This definitely strikes the audience to see the injustice in a child dying for the sake of the factory to stay open. This is the moment where most of the audience began to cry. In this moment we had to accept what had happened, and hope for improvement in the future. It shed light on the ethical obligations of society to advocate for worker rights and child labor laws to be respected.
Credits:
Megan Pitt