On Tidy Endings
Michelle Stone
English 122
Prof Vicki Davis
June 1, 2015
Family "On Tidy Endings" is a play written by Harvey Fierstein in 1986. In the 80 's society viewed family as a man, woman and child. The play takes a look at the family dynamic. In the play, we see Fierstein 's definition of family. He shows us through the main characters who are brought closely together by the death of Collin. Marion and Arthur who, both assumed the same role in Collins life as the wife and caretaker and are now both struggling to let go. Fierstein presents family a bit messier, and we see his non-traditional family roles and relationships. Although all of the main characters are going through the same situation together, Collin 's death. Each is coping and experiencing it in his or her way and butting heads along the way. As it goes when someone passes, things need to be put into order. Marion and Arthur are meeting at his apartment to sign a power of attorney to sell Collin and Arthur 's apartment (456). Marion thought she had the picture-perfect family and was blindsided after 16 years of marriage when her husband divorces her to be with other men (462). She never let go, and always hoped he would come back (466). While waiting for Arthur to arrive she starts going through things and takes claim on certain items that hold sentimental value to her thinking "oh, he won 't care. One less thing to pack" (458). She has also prepared a list for Arthur of items to consider giving to family members. Without considering his feeling and how hard it must be letting go of the man he loved and cared for, only thinking again it must be "one less thing to pack" and she is the only one who lost him (459).
After Arthur arrives home pleasantries and the confrontation ensues. Collin’s funeral is brought up, and Arthur points out everyone consoled Marion but did not acknowledge Arthur and the place he had in their family and Collins life (465). Marion knew this was wrong but did nothing. She tries
English 122
Prof Vicki Davis
June 1, 2015
Family "On Tidy Endings" is a play written by Harvey Fierstein in 1986. In the 80 's society viewed family as a man, woman and child. The play takes a look at the family dynamic. In the play, we see Fierstein 's definition of family. He shows us through the main characters who are brought closely together by the death of Collin. Marion and Arthur who, both assumed the same role in Collins life as the wife and caretaker and are now both struggling to let go. Fierstein presents family a bit messier, and we see his non-traditional family roles and relationships. Although all of the main characters are going through the same situation together, Collin 's death. Each is coping and experiencing it in his or her way and butting heads along the way. As it goes when someone passes, things need to be put into order. Marion and Arthur are meeting at his apartment to sign a power of attorney to sell Collin and Arthur 's apartment (456). Marion thought she had the picture-perfect family and was blindsided after 16 years of marriage when her husband divorces her to be with other men (462). She never let go, and always hoped he would come back (466). While waiting for Arthur to arrive she starts going through things and takes claim on certain items that hold sentimental value to her thinking "oh, he won 't care. One less thing to pack" (458). She has also prepared a list for Arthur of items to consider giving to family members. Without considering his feeling and how hard it must be letting go of the man he loved and cared for, only thinking again it must be "one less thing to pack" and she is the only one who lost him (459).
After Arthur arrives home pleasantries and the confrontation ensues. Collin’s funeral is brought up, and Arthur points out everyone consoled Marion but did not acknowledge Arthur and the place he had in their family and Collins life (465). Marion knew this was wrong but did nothing. She tries
Cited: Fierstein, Harvey. "On Tidy Endings." Reading Literature and Writing Argument. Ed. Missy James and Alan P. Merickel. 5th ed. Boston: Pearson, 2013. 454-471. Print