Introduction
Every person’s life has many regrets, sorrows, and injustices to cope with. Missed opportunities and events that cannot be changed are a heavy burden on the hearts of many people. The play’s characters by Hayden Taylor also become hostages of circumstances, feeling hopeless and suffering.
Turning the story around the unfair treatment of the Indian family, Hayden focuses on the fact that painful emotions that bring pain are also valuable and dear to the heart. People cannot forget those they love; through pain and suffering, they are ready to plunge into despair again and again for the sake of those dear to their hearts. A thesis statement can be formulated as follows: emotional connections between people are valuable, remaining even after years and challenging life circumstances.
Analysis
Anne’s Emotions
The emotions of a mother who lost her child due to stupid circumstances are perfectly conveyed by the example of Anne. Her newborn child is taken away because of the racial persecution of the natives. Anne’s emotions do not disappear despite their pain because her child is an integral part of her, and she cannot relinquish her commitment to her daughter. Citing an oppositional opinion, it can be noted that she cannot forget and let go because of guilt.
However, the author shows a different situation. When Grace no longer wants to interact with her biological mother, Anne does not try to stop her but wishes her happiness (Taylor 2.77). Despite Barb’s attempts to stop her sister, the mother resigns. It is enough for her to know that her child lives a decent life. Thus, the author shows that despite possible misunderstandings and pain, love is in the decision to remember and be there no matter what.
Barb and Rodney
The relationship between Rodney and Barb is an example of a connection preserved due to misunderstandings and quarrels. Initially, it may seem that young people often reproach each other and are unwilling to try for each other’s happiness. However, when Barb tells her sister how she communicates with Rodney, it becomes clear that their feelings are soft (Taylor 2.62). The final scene and Rodney’s decision to return to Barb, although he did not want to get close enough, shows that despite the fears, pain, and doubts, he is ready to keep them together. For Barb and Rodney, their emotional connection is vital, and these emotions allow them to go through difficulties.
Janice’s Visit
Janice comes to see her biological family precisely because she understands the value of the emotional connection between people. Janice may seem cautious and rude to her mother and sister. However, later, the author makes the reader understand that it is tough for Janice to be around the people she has lost (Taylor 2.78). Janice could not live in peace precisely because she wanted to feel and check if she had a connection with her biological family. It was this desire that brought her to Anne and Barb’s house.
Grace or Janice: Final Decision (Opposition)
The most conflicting moment of the entire play is Janice’s decision to leave. This moment can be interpreted as a pity for the girl to avoid difficulties and forget those emotional ties that bring her pain. However, as mentioned above, Janice came primarily to test how much her feelings of kinship with these people are in her heart.
In other words, she wanted to understand who she wanted to be: Janice or Grace. Her final decision symbolizes her home in London: “Please call me Janice” (Taylor 2.80). She recognizes the importance of the people who gave her life.
However, thanks to the experience, she understands that emotional connection with people and the desire to maintain relationships are choices that need to be made at a conscious age. Loving her missing daughter is Anne’s conscious choice. At the same time, Janice makes this choice in favor of the people she grew up with. The phrase “She does not have the monopoly on love” shows that Janice recognizes the importance of bonding with Anne but prioritizes herself as an adult willing to accept and acknowledge her desires (Taylor 2.79). Her bond with Anne will not be forgotten despite her pain and regrets, but that will not stop Janice from living a happy life.
Conclusion
In the play proposed for analysis, the author shows the importance of remembering and accepting the connection with other people. Despite all the sadness and pain, such emotions allow moral advancement. Knowing that Grace will not return, Anna will continue to love her daughter and live life for Barb. Barb and Rodney will continue to build their family through hardships and sorrows. Janice understood her place and decided which family she wanted to belong to. Every character in this story loves and makes a decision.
Events like this move the characters along the path of their mental development, even if it hurts them. To love is to choose and accept responsibility for the choice, no matter how painful it may be. The author hopes that someday, all people will understand the importance of committing to people and be ready to move on despite the pain of the past.
Work Cited
Taylor, Drew Hayden. Someday. Fifth House Publishing, 1993.