Summer Of The Seventeenth Doll

Summer Of The Seventeenth Doll

Summer of the Seventeenth Doll-
  * Discuss the convention used to present conflict on stage and how they contribute to the progression of the narrative of the play.
  * How does conflict help your understanding of the ideas regarding “Reality versus the dream” presented therein.
Summer of the Seventeenth Doll, written by Ray Lawler, conveys conflict through the use of conventions commonly used in theatrical dramas.   The illustrative description of the plays setting and props and the use of language, dialogue and costume, are conventions that shape the narrative of the play and reveal the central theme, ‘reality versus the dream.’
The play opens on a cheery note, with a brief description of the scene, discussing the atmosphere, time and various characters. The stage and setting is too, formerly described, and is revealed to have a rather welcoming ambience despite the ordinariness of the home. Everything within the house appears faded and aged but none of the characters notice this as they continue to view the house as young and fresh; how they wish to view themselves. The characters initial happiness is reflected through the surroundings and aura of the home and as the characters lose that happiness, it is displayed throughout the home.
“Now you’ve pulled down the decorations. What’s so wonderful about it? Nothing! It’s just an ordinary little room that’s a hell of a lot worse for wear.”
The contrast in setting from the beginning to the conclusion of the play, demonstrates the conflict exposed between the characters and as a result, the setting is transformed to show the atmospheric changes between the characters and their surroundings. The sparkle from the home is lost and they are left to face the difficulties of reality.

Comparable to the way the set is altered to show the mood changes within the home, props are additionally included as symbols and representations of these particular changes. The kewpie dolls are the most...