Robert Ray’s Theory Applied to Jo and Meg
The American culture values moral conduct, but also frivolity and independence from authority. This creates an atmosphere of opposites when it comes to prominent movie characters. In his theory, Robert Ray suggests that all main movie characters in American films have a mix of official and unofficial traits, each characterized by different attitudes and actions toward the following three categories: Aging, Society, and Law. An unofficial hero (or outlaw) will have a propensity towards immature and rash behavior, which causes the culture around him shun him. In order for him to then resolve a conflict, he will have to break several legal or social laws. Contrastingly, an official hero has mature and stable qualities. He views the law as a means to justice. His community respects him as he often occupies a local government position and cultivates a stable family life, often married to a like-minded wife and have several children.
American movies mirror the culture’s curious gratification for an outlaw hero who unlawfully saves a situation, though it would shun the hero if he committed
…show more content…
The high class women of the era wore elegant gowns with the skirts rising just an inch or two above the floor. The men wore full suits. The high society of Concord, Massachusetts valued the material of clothing a person wore and how tight a corset could be worn. Besides this materialistic and outward appearance focused society of Concord, lived a family, the Marches, Father and Marmy (mother), Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. The March parents have a unique set of values, considering the character of their daughters rather than how well they dress up. Meg and Jo have two very different personalities and attitudes toward their family’s values and Concord’s high society. Meg seeks their approval while Jo finds her own way. Now, we shall explore how they fit into Ray’s