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I really enjoyed “Love on the B-Line” by Adam Kraar. The character that interested me the most was Marie. Whenever Robbie would ask her why she could not stay over I felt like she was cheating and then when she would just change the subjects and remind him of everything he had told her that led me to think that she was manipulating him. It seemed like she did not want to commit to him and the lame excuse because of her cat was very annoying, I could feel the frustration that Robbie would have felt. I also felt bad for Robbie because he would “drop her off” already late into the night and still have to wait to ride home. I could understand why he was frustrated especially at night because he knew what his duties as her boyfriend were. When Robbie started to become frustrated Marie then seemed to me like she was acting as a mediator between Robbie and his feelings. He would let them consume him to the point where he would get frustrated because he was not getting the answers that he wanted; especially if the excuse was cat. He probably felt like the cat was more important to Marie than he was. When the tension rose I felt like it could have been a scene from the notebook where they get fed up with each other so they are like breaking up and then they do some crazy things to get the other persons attention. Like when Marie got all the cigarettes and started to put them in her mouth and her nose she did that because she knew how much Robbie did not like it; therefore, getting his attention anyway. When the argument explodes Marie comes down to the real reason why and I felt like it was a breakthrough for her. She did not have to hide it with her cat, but she freed herself therefore letting Robbie in. Once she said the truth it was like a barrier broke down and Robbie could understand her because he truly loved her. I really enjoyed this play from beginning to end!
ReplyDelete- Cassandra Martinez
Like every one of the playwrights we have read, this one also took a few reads to fully grasp. After the fourth read through it was easier to understand what Kraar was putting across in this scene. As I read I saw the hard contrast of the two characters. Marie is happier and is overly passionate in her treatment of Robbie. She also sees the subway as a wonderful place with fond memories. For example, the train ride she had as a child with her brothers and her description of the yummy smells that came with the trip. She also describes the train rides she has with Robbie as fond moments. While on the other side Robbie is more downcast and not physically responsive at first to Marie’s passion and excitement. Robbie also sees that train as the complete opposite. He sees the loneliness he must endure when he commutes home after dropping Marie off at home. He only sees the train as “doom and gloom.” He also affiliates the train with bad smells. He doesn’t like the smells like Marie does. His romance is starting to dwindle due to the relationship’s stagnant ability and lack of progression. Even though they are constantly moving, like the train, they are not moving in their relationship. Although Marie shows passion in her actions Robbie shows passion in his heart. Marie never admits to loving Robbie until he is asleep and unable to hear her, while Robbie is able to say it and feel it, Marie only responds with “Aw.” And “Really?” In these reactions she is looking like an older person and Robbie is the three year old sucking his thumb. The “Aw” makes Robbie look even more foolish when he is letting out his true emotions, while Marie keeps hers bottled up. This also is more of a consideration when Marie even admits to “Taking care of” Robbie. It’s like she is his parent, his guardian. The way that Kraar added in the sound of a “Beat” at certain moments was hard to understand or figure out what it represented. It followed after Marie says something of sincerity that Robbie actually hears. It’s like it represents the beats of her heart. Symbolically representing her truth, her flesh, the reality of her feelings.
ReplyDeleteClaria Buddle
This play, I can really relate to, because it reminded me of my past relationship. Besides, you know, sitting down and talking about whatever after an argument, and working it out. You can see where he cares for her, but feels like there is a problem or some tension going on between him and her family. In the play she mentions the past, “You didn’t think it smelled when you wrote me that poem.” With that I feel she likes to use little things to show that he used to care for her, and that he probably doesn’t do it for her anymore, so to me it sounds like a guilt trip, which I am too familiar with because of my ex, I feel you Robbie. Arguments are bound to happen, for any little thing while being in a relationship either his/her parents won’t like you, one of y’all is clingy, or one of y’all has a bad habit that the other person cannot stand. In this case he worries that her father doesn’t like him, or judges him because of Robbie’s job. Also he doesn’t like that she smokes, from that you can just feel the tension while he is talking about what he thinks is wrong.
ReplyDeleteWhile reading this I feel that this relationship isn’t perfect, then again I doubt there is a perfect one, but I can see that they at least care for one another, which is good. She is a bit violent though, I think the slapping was unnecessary, and you can tell he cares for her because he did not overreact and hit her back. I really like that she tells him about the past, and is open to him in a way, it sucks when you open up to someone and they keep everything bottled in. I really like how she tell him “I never touched a cigarette for the past three months. I swear.” He didn’t even ask her about the last time she smoked, but just that it seems that she knew it would be important to tell him just so he won’t worry.
-Roberto Rodriguez
I have to say when it came to “Love on the B-Line” by Adam Kraar I enjoyed it more, being able to see these two character’s romance come to life. Kraar tied these two characters very well. In every relationship there is always going to be their ups and downs, no relationship is perfect, there’s many flaws within them. In the dialogue, you could sense their tension, I understood the fact why Marie did not want to stay over at Robbie’s house. With her previous relationship, she completely lost herself which scares her that it might happen again and she wants to be very careful with that. I can definitely see her frustration in the dialogue, Robbie and Marie love each other very much and Marie would rather take this relationship slow. The train played a significant part it significances their love between Robbie and Marie. There was a couple of things I did not like from Robbie’s character due to the fact that he could not accept no as the answer. In a way he kind of forces Marie to spend the night with him and she’s just not comfortable with that. He’s pushing her and does not realize her past experience with her previous relationship so he doesn’t really understand what’s going through her head. To me Marie felt pretty real, she was poetic but you can tell that there was a love and hate relationship going on between these two characters. This play was pretty fast paced when it came to their dialogue. In my opinion, Robbie was rushing her and she did not want to be rushed so she kept on making different excuses which some seem women to do if there in this type of situation. I was more leaning toward Marie, I could feel for her as a woman. Because of us women it’s hard for us to demonstrate our feelings of commitment, it’s a terrifying thought. Coming from Marie’s point of view, I think that’s what she fears is commitment and getting hurt along the way. I guess I would of prefer if Robbie was a bit more understanding and I felt like he kind of was but he was more pushy at some moments of the play. But Marie slapping him was unnecessary but overall it was a believable play.
ReplyDeleteAndrea Espericueta
“Love on the B-Line” by Adam Kraar is a play I like to think of as being slightly less about the context and more about characters. While plays in general focus on characters, I feel some do it more than others and that some of the plays previously assigned had “more” to them, such as social commentary and the like. When I read this play, I picture it as a drama on television, where both characters have a love for each other but something in their lives prevents them from being together and they push each other to make something work. While I feel this way towards this play, I don’t think it makes it any less enjoyable or important as other plays. It’s true that this style of story is commonplace, but it is still impactful as they thrive on the human element, really attempting to flesh out its characters and develop them so that readers may like/dislike them and have reactions as they come to and surpass obstacles that come their way. I think that the characters in this play are dealing with their emotions in a believable way, whether or not I myself would react that way or not. I think that being put in the male characters’ shoes, I would want to protect and insist I look over the person I have these intense feelings for. It is easy for me to sit and criticize his behavior, but it is not so simple when you are placed in that situation. I believe the female character also acts believably so as she lies to the male character to not get him involved with what is bothering her, as it is not easy to ignore. I’m not a huge fan myself of romance dramas as I tend to think ahead of the conflict and roll my eyes at imagining how the characters will take their sweet time at actually resolving the obstacles in their way, but I can’t deny that they excel at creating their characters and developing them (most of the time) as they overcome their hurdles and grow together to explore the depth of their love for each other.
ReplyDelete-Pedro Conchas
“Love on the B-Line” by Adam Kraar was a refreshing view on a couple working things out. It was a nice change to see a couple grow before your eyes. This play also slowly built up to how and why Marie was refusing to stay over. The subway was freedom for her. It was her time to move on from her previous self contained prison and instead live freely and happily. You can see she cares deeply for Robbie and Robbie for her. It's not often a man genuinely expresses how he feels, but we could see and wonder what Marie had to hide. I can understand the depression Marie set herself in by always wanting to care for a man and not herself. So it is refreshing to see a woman stand her ground and refuse to fall into something she isn’t ready for solely for the happiness of the person she is with. Then Robbie’s calm and understanding acceptance really makes you appreciate their relationship. Not much more had to be said once she started her true reasoning. He gave her, her space, he didn’t try to convince her to change her mind. With that simple statement of “it’s ok,” gave them closure. It was ok for her not to be ready. It gave me a great appreciation for a guy like Robbie. A lot of trust comes from that acceptance. I really loved this play and how it built up and the understanding that came from both of them. If more relationships were this caring and understanding I’m sure the divorce rate would be a lot lower. It was also interesting on how the Robbie used the subway as a symbol to represent their relationship. When he was trying to convince her that it felt as if they were only going on way. There is a lot to appreciate in this story, as most of us have encountered relationship dilemmas. I also like how so much can be explained in such little time when reading a play. It as if it doesn’t even have to be said if they stay together or if she ever stays the night, but more that you appreciate the honesty and understanding in their relationship and you know that they will figure it out.
ReplyDelete-Diana Zepeda
Love on the B line by Adam Kraar has been one of the easiest plays so far that we have read because it’s a lot of back and forth with just the two characters. There is no getting lost in who is saying what and how they feel. The subject relates to something that happens during some ones live at one point. If not the same exact situation, the aspect of relationship comes across with everyone which is why is more relatable. The action implemented in this play really flows with what the characters are trying to portrays. This gives the playwright more emphasis on how it’s supposed to be read and presented to the audience. It shows the emotion and the romance in the little bits of action as they are interacting and while they are not interacting. The playwright gives the romance between them even more to show that there are true feelings between them and how that is one of the main emotions in this play. Their love for one another is magnified by those emotions to show that even if they are that much in love between them that that is going to be the conflict to come in the play. And that is exactly what it shows when they start questioning their love for one another when one believes that the bond between them isn’t strong enough to take the next step in the relationship. That leads to the title of the play. The title of the play really plays a big role to distinguish the differences between what it means and what is actually happening. B- line can stand for many things it can be the line of the train they are waiting for but also it can be interpreted as going into the relationship straight away. Not waiting or stopping for anything else of getting in their way of the goal that it is to stay at one’s home overnight. This contrasts the play from the characters and the title. The audience expecting something because of the title and they get a different type of other romance.
ReplyDelete-Victor Vasquez
Love on the B-Line is definitely not what I expected but I did enjoy it. It was a simple read and it was easy to understand but I found it a little unreliable. I was expecting something really romantic but it was actually really strange. We were once again bought back to reading a play with two characters and the dialogue only shifting between them. The character that I found really frustrating was Marie, she was annoying me but Robbie on the other hand was a very romantic character and I felt that I could really sympathize with him. Which I believe is one of the elements we discussed about in class. I hope to write a romantic play and the sympathy I felt for Robbie is something I would like to be able to ignite in my readers as well. The history of the relationship between these characters was also interesting to read, it helped me to be able to understand the characters as well as identify with them. Marie locked herself in a cage she says, a place she doesn’t want to go back too but yet I found it ironic that she is now locking herself up in the train with this guy whom she claims has really helped her change who she was. I would have wanted her to go with him because it would have made the play a lot more interesting but I am also glad that she remained loyal to herself and refused to go with the man she loved. Of course, there is always something confusing about these 10 minute plays and the end in this one didn’t escape either. When I read “oncoming train” I automatically assumed that they were about to collide with another train and that that’s how the story of these two unfortunate lovers would end but it was not clear and therefore I am able to imagine it to my will. All in all I did enjoy reading this and I know I will take some of it into consideration as I embark on my own playwriting.
ReplyDelete- Mayra Lopez
With Love on the B-Line I had one question when reading the resolution. I am confused as to whether Marie does not want to stay at Robbie’s because he lives in Lorimer Street. It seems to point to that, but after finishing reading it, I was not sure if that is certain.
ReplyDeleteMarie’s history is one of the main complications from the Robbie’s, the protagonist, desire, which is to have Marie stay over. The definite reason for having her over is never elaborated in specific, Hemingway’s iceberg theory is of use here. From the passionate and nurturing character Robbie is, one would easily assume he seeks emotional shelter and company as he mentions “my whole life I’ve been dreaming of that kind of sleep. If only you’d just stay tonight (Starkey, 318).” Marie’s absence though in “I been seeing you five months and four days. And you wanna…” speaks to the possibility of more. (Starkey, 321).” Marie staying over could either mean sex or a night of comfort.
Another complication in the way of Marie is her cat. Such complication was the initial one used by Marie and the characters soon drift away from it. It’s introduction facilitates the arguing over spending the night.
The train serves as an objective correlative and analogy as “the train only goes in one direction (Starkey 320).” Furthermore, the fact that Marie and Robbie are at a deserted train station help add to the analogy. Their relationship has stalled as can be seen with Marie’s quick responses such as the cat and her attempt to sing lullabies ton Robbie.
Although, the story can be argued to have characters who are two dimensional, unfortunately. Marie’s character falls the stereotypical individual whose relationship has retrieved her/him from a dark past. Furthermore, Robbie becomes the stereotypical individual who is demanding more from the relationship. The play does have potential for a greater story, however, Adam Kraar failed to have delivered complex characters who represented greater complicated emotions. Although, some may argue that they may relate to the characters, but, the task of the task of the writer is not only make relatable characters, but for them to cause the reader to question as they either solve or don’t solve their desires/issues. Robbie and Marie from short from that.
-Alejandro Sanchez
Adam Kraar’s “Love on the B-Line” takes the audience in a quick, easy to follow play. The playwright introduces only two characters and develops their conflict quite clear since the beginning. Robbie, Marie’s boyfriend, wants Marie to spend the night at his place, but Marie is not ready for that step in their relationship. Kraar allows the reader to see the action in the play happen in a fast paced manner, giving the audience a quick glance at what their relationship is like. Their constant dialogue, in my opinion, was key to the development of the plot and at the end, the audience feels that these young adults were two souls deeply in love. I think Kraar killed two birds with one stone by using the subway station late at night that allowed the conversations between Robbie and Marie to flow, making room for a bit of romanticism.
ReplyDeleteAs far as their characters, Marie is a little uneasy about making a wrong move that night, and repeatedly tells Robbie she won’t spend the night anywhere else but in hers. Robbie, on the other hand, takes a lead on the dialogue and the audience perceives his frustration when he can’t convince Marie. The information that Kraar chooses to reveal is important since there is a limit on the play, but the playwright includes small details in their conversation that give away cues about their characters. One instance is when Marie states “I been seeing you five months and four days. And you wanna…” the reader can take a good guess on who Robbie really is. Nevertheless, the drama develops swiftly, and Kraar does not fail to prompt the stage with quick and efficient directions, such as the beats towards the end of the drama. These pauses were ultimately needed to allow the audience to digest the fast-paced play.
The language that Kraar uses made a simple yet poetic style. The use of an advertising poster in the play did its work efficiently as it adds a romantic characteristic to the play. The metaphors such as “brightest star” and “wild bird,” add to their romance. They argue, they talk, Robbie dreams, they love each other. After re-reading this piece, I think about the cage that Marie describes towards the end. It makes sense, that after a hurtful relationship, she would be “caged” up in the bitterness and would not want to be vulnerable again to the deceptions love can bring.
- Julio C. Manzano
"Love on the B-line" by Adam Kraar was such an enjoyable and believeable read. I feel like this play caught my attention so greatly because the scenario, it felt like it was something that could have happened to anyone. You can know that there are people who can encounter their ex or their past lovers and want to try all over again and that was the type of vibe that I got from these characters. Another thing that I caught was how these two characters were trying to stick to their word through, both stood by what they were trying to portray to each other. One was saying no and never changed her mind while the other continued on with his emotions for her insisting for her to stay over. I was able to understand it with these two characters. I feel like I can relate to Marie so perfectly. I feel like this playwright was enjoyable because it was just based on two character going back and forth with their feelings. One thing that I realized was that they had some type of history and one of them was trying to get it back while the other was on a reserve. Marie had been the one who was on reserve because she had known what she had already gotten herself into like she knew his intentions. Another thing was how Robbie was so hesitant and kept asking and wanting Marie over and clearly she kept saying no. Lastly, one thing that I really liked about this whole playwright was the imagery. Every time Marie was demonstrated by doing something I was able to play it in my head perfectly. The dialogue that went with actions from both Robbie and Marie were great but it seemed like everything was moving at a fast pace. For example, they had been arguing then the next minute Marie was kissing him and then you continue on and read that she had slapped him. All in all I think the reason why this play was good was because it was believable, you know that it could be anyone during the present time that can experience this.
ReplyDelete-Aliza Longoria
Adam Kraar’s Love on the B-Line was a fun little read composed of two people, a young man and young women, all situated on an elevated subway station in Brooklyn. His choice of location is a good one for a number of reasons. For one thing, Brooklyn, and all New York for that matter, is a great place of nostalgia and the mere idea if conjures up numerous memories we have of New York, whether they be from actual visitation or from simply knowing of it from such things as Sesame Street. Throughout the drama we are prompted with various tidbits from the town: Coney Island, South Brooklyn, Lorimer Street, and Williamsburg Middle School. Thus while our protagonists stand upon this elevated subway train, the smells, the sound, the ambiance, all flitter through the minds of the audience, creating a scene right out of all our own past.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that it takes place on at a subway station and an elevated one it that, is also important. The fact that it is not underground reminds us that we’re not downtown; this is not the mercantile district but perhaps one far off. There it stands lit up in a lonely night, a place of movement, a place where lovers come and go and, occasionally, part.
And so it is with our two lovers, Robbie and Marie. There they stand upon this elevated platform before the whole night sky of Brooklyn. Robbie is from Virginia and since Marie brings up the Historical Society, one can only assume that he is well-to-do. Marie, though, is a Brooklyn native; we know this because she went to Williamsburg Middle School. Further, she speaks Spanish to Robbie so we can assume she is an immigrant or child of immigrants from some Spanish-speaking country, probably Puerto Rico since so many Puerto Ricans migrated to the NYC including Brooklyn.
But to the plot: the climax of the story revolves around Robbie’s wanting for Marie to stay the night with him. Marie fears the worst and doesn’t want to commit. This friction mostly affects Marie and it is to her that our empathy pours out. She doesn’t run off, scream, or do such things, but rather begins smoking. Clearly the idea of breaking up with Robbie is traumatic since it tempts her to commit suicide by smoking. But she is torn; she doesn’t want to live in a cage. And it is her description of her caged life before Robbie entered into it that softens Robbie’s heart and allows the two lovers to come back together.
Aye there's the rub: to live with Robbie is to be caged, but to live without him is the cage of the past. Poor Marie. What is she to do? We never find out as the play ends with the two in their quasi-state of romanticism. Yet we see them holding hands when the lights go out and have to agree with what John Cougar once sang, that they’re “two American kids doing the best they can.”
Elizabeth Barham
I believe love on the B-Line is one of those plays that gets better every time you read it again. One of the first things that I had notice while reading it was how poetic the dialogue was between Robbie and Marie. Especially during maries monologue where she explains to Robbie why she doesn’t want to go home with him. The way she pours her heart out to him about what had happened with her previous boyfriend. She gives an answer that’s not straight forward but rather is shrouded with mystery. What exactly happen on Lorimer Street?
ReplyDeleteAnother thing that I noticed while reading the play was how many pauses and beats there were.
The characters of Robbie and Marie were very well written. I honestly was pulled into their relationship problems. How Robbie feels insure of himself and the love that Marie has for him. And it seems as though it is well within his right to feel that way. I mean he talks about how Maries father dislikes him and his job. So when Marie tells him that she would stay over he just snaps. Because in his mind they should be moving to the next level. Marie even mentions that they have been together for about five months. Most couples usually are engaged by their first year together. So it would only be logical for him to think that something in their relationship is wrong when they haven’t even taken the first step of just staying the night at each others homes.
Now about the title, the B-Line is named after the real subway in New York that actually runs through Brooklyn. Which is actually where Kraar is from. Which is always appreciated. But there is also a line in the play where Robbie asks Marie where the light at the end of the tunnel is. He just wants to know where this relationship is headed, but its not until the end when the train finally comes to pick them up, we don’t see it. Just like we as a reader or the audience won’t know where their relationship is headed or where they will stop or if their journey will even continue.
- Victoria Walls
“Love on the B-Line” by Adam Kraar brings a real life situation to life. In the play, Kraar brings out the drama that every couple may go through. Many couples have trust issues and there are sometimes lies that can overtake a relationship. When this does happen, the couple cold either let it control it nd the relationship ends or they can work through it. The playwright made this play relatable to everyone because he wanted this play to be realistic. Kraar expressed how not every relationship is perfect and how every couple will through a lot of conflicts in their life together.
ReplyDeleteReading the specific actions of both characters also gave insight on the personalities of who they are. For example when Marie brought her cigarettes and Robbie mentioned how she quit, it shows how Marie was troubled young woman and she was very stubborn. This play helps the audience both reading and watching the play how these characters think and also who they are as a person. As everyone does say, actions speak louder than words. The actions are to the point and do not add any metaphors or what may be going through the character’s mind. Kraar is giving the actors something to think about through their actions. He wants the actors to think about what the characters are thinking and also how they act and sound in the situation they are in. This does give the actors the opportunity to think about how they can act and also think about how they can bring the characters to life.
- Andrea Serrano
Love on the B-Line was a good read, but I do not understand how Adam Kraar is relating the title to the story. I understand where the word love came from obviously but B-Line? I am assuming that beat line is relating to a heart rate monitor found in hospitals. I noticed that [Beat] was scattered throughout the play, when the conversations would get intense. At first it did not make sense when I would read beat, because I was not sure if the play was actually having that sound occur or if it was being treated as a hit to the stomach. Once Marie finally confesses the beat appeared more and made the read intense. That would be a tool that I would use when structuring my play writes.
ReplyDeleteOverall I enjoyed the story because it was something people can relate to. I was able to see their relationship grow, and how the story ends shows that they still have a future together. The reason why I can tell that they are still going to have a future together was through Maries action on taking Robbie’s hand. Actions can speak louder than words and when writing a play, actions must be incorporated or even no action can say a lot about the characters as well.
The realism that I found in this play was when Marie would avoid the conversation by changing the subject. I enjoyed that Kraar made this situation believable and in a way it is not an original love story. They were both in a stage where their love had two paths. When Marie had slapped Robbie I wanted more of a reaction from him. He seemed to either be use to being slapped or really loved her enough to not do anything. I would have enjoyed it more if Robbie would have expressed himself on that scene or through internal thoughts. This play had a little bit of everything, from passion, anger, frustration, innocence, struggle, and friendship. Waiting for the train to come was a perfect metaphor to describe this play; I am surprised the title was not related to the train.
Bianca Salinas
Love on the B-Line by Adam Kraar is a play about this couple and their relationship problems. I feel like this play continues a trend of more realistic plays that we have been reading for class. It is a work about real people problems presented in a believable manner with characters that act and speak as actual people would act and speak. This is very important because I do not think that if the characters had been any less realistic, if instead they had been written in a way that was more of an approximation of how a person might be - or how the playwright perceived and believed that people should be, then the play would not have hit quite so close to home for myself as the reader. The issue between this couple is not as simple as being in love and that being enough: there are feelings of uncertainty, insecurity, commitment, and overcoming one's past that cannot be solved simply by being in love. The couple fights and argues and then they talk and maybe they don't quite make up, but they admit their insecurities and don't leave each other. The play ends with an optimistic final scene, both characters waiting for the train and holding hands. Simultaneously, it warmed my heart and made me remember my own past relationships. I am certain that this was not coincidental. I felt that this play and its characters were written in such a way as to deliberately invoke nostalgia and empathy in the audience. Because the characters were presented in this way - as real people instead of as one dimensional constructs - the members of the audience would be able to have a connection to, sympathize and even identify with these characters. Relationship problems are not something unfamiliar for most people - and definitely not feelings of insecurity within a relationship. Theatrical elements aside, this scene could easily be mirrored in real life. It is the argument over breakfast, the serious soul-searching late at night, and the times when both persons in a relationship must admit their uncertainties to one another to get somewhere. This is definitely a play that I would love to go see performed in a theater.
ReplyDeleteDoris Tolar
I didn’t really understand “Love on the B-Line.” I did, however, find it believable. People hurt each other all the time. They also hide things from each other, forgive each other, and have hope in each other. Marie and Robbie, to me, were very human characters and I could truly see myself in their shoes, whether it be by missing someone, wanting someone to stay, or lying by omission out of fear of being judged. I can also see myself stay with someone despite my logic telling me there is no sense in continuing to try but my heart saying the exact opposite, (as cheesy as it may sound, it is a great way to describe it). I do have to admit, however, that I feel the play may have needed a bit more fleshing out of the characters as I did not find myself truly caring what happened to them or why they felt the way they did. Sure, it was nice that they were able to work out their issues, albeit temporarily (or so it seemd), but I was not left with that sense of, “I want to know what happens after the curtain falls.” Maybe this characteristic of theirs was also one of their human attributes as we rarely get heavily invested in strangers. We may exchange pleasantries or observe occurrences from afar, but ultimately we don’t stay awake at night losing sleep over whether that couple will really get over that affair or unwanted pregnancy. I find the setting interesting as well, as it could be an allusion to their relationship: stopping, starting, people coming and going, but always moving forward. Overall, I did not hate this piece, but it also did not leave as lasting as an impression as I would have hoped. Granted, not all plays have large impressive twists and turns or great reveals. This play was more like a greeting card: you glance at it and admire its prettiness and simplicity, but go on with your day and quickly forget about it, and that’s not really a bad thing. This flexibility is a unique trait to literature, including plays, that I can appreciate.
ReplyDeleteI didn’t really understand “Love on the B-Line.” I did, however, find it believable. People hurt each other all the time. They also hide things from each other, forgive each other, and have hope in each other. Marie and Robbie, to me, were very human characters and I could truly see myself in their shoes, whether it be by missing someone, wanting someone to stay, or lying by omission out of fear of being judged. I can also see myself stay with someone despite my logic telling me there is no sense in continuing to try but my heart saying the exact opposite, (as cheesy as it may sound, it is a great way to describe it). I do have to admit, however, that I feel the play may have needed a bit more fleshing out of the characters as I did not find myself truly caring what happened to them or why they felt the way they did. Sure, it was nice that they were able to work out their issues, albeit temporarily (or so it seemd), but I was not left with that sense of, “I want to know what happens after the curtain falls.” Maybe this characteristic of theirs was also one of their human attributes as we rarely get heavily invested in strangers. We may exchange pleasantries or observe occurrences from afar, but ultimately we don’t stay awake at night losing sleep over whether that couple will really get over that affair or unwanted pregnancy. I find the setting interesting as well, as it could be an allusion to their relationship: stopping, starting, people coming and going, but always moving forward. Overall, I did not hate this piece, but it also did not leave as lasting as an impression as I would have hoped. Granted, not all plays have large impressive twists and turns or great reveals. This play was more like a greeting card: you glance at it and admire its prettiness and simplicity, but go on with your day and quickly forget about it, and that’s not really a bad thing. This flexibility is a unique trait to literature, including plays, that I can appreciate.
ReplyDeleteJessica Rodriguez
One thing that I really enjoyed about this play was the simplicity of it. While there were definitely some things going on in the background throughout the play that we as readers are aware of, there is still a simple charm to it. One thing that I think the playwright does very well is evoke imagery. When I read the part where she's talking about her childhood and the smells coming from the open windows of the houses that the train would pass, I could almost close my eyes and smell exactly what she was smelling. I've never lived in a big city, but one of my favorite places in the whole country to go to is Chicago. For some reason this reminded me of the elevated train rides that we take out to Wrigley field when we go to Chicago. The tone of the play matches the charm of the city. Another thing that I think this playwright does well is how the cat is constantly being referred to. I think as readers we know that the cat isn't the real reason she doesn't want to stay over at his house but to me every time that the cat was mentioned, it restored my curiosity in her reasoning behind her decision to go. This play was a nice, simple, and charming play that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
ReplyDeleteErin Valdez
I’m not entirely sure how I feel about this play. I appreciate how simple it is but while initially reading it, I was turned off by the overly cute dialogue. Actually, I felt a little embarrassed like I’m creeping on an adorable moment between a young couple. Then play starts to progress into the issue they face, why she won’t spend the night over with him. The play writer teaches the reader that one doesn’t need an elaborate dialogue or complicated setting in order to get the readers involved. This play is good in the way it presents a relatable and uncomplicated situation that resonates to what some of us might experience but it goes about doing it in an honest and refreshing manner. As a reader, I definitely related to Marie, who provides an odd excuse for why she can’t spend the night over but I also sympathized with the guy because his feelings make sense. The writer is successful in making the readers care for the characters, which I think is a tremendously important thing to do. When the audience cares, you know you have done something right. Other than that, I didn’t think the play was too exciting or engaging. It relied on embarrassingly cutesy dialogue and disengaging material. I liked the conflict but the way the characters go about confronting it is a little immature for my taste.
ReplyDeleteMaria Fajardo
To me this play is a nice short 10 minute play,about two individuals having conversation at a subway station. To me it is a teeny, romantic comedy. She is over her head, and the guy is really just spending his time. She is just teasing, and just keeping perhaps as company. It is just a silly story. It is alright, there is emotion, but the characters are cold in the way they really do not seem to care where this is going. Their age is little old, for the type of romance, or teasing. Which I believe the story takes place in this period in time. It is an ON and OFF dialogue, back and forward which gets me desperate. I had a friend like that, and I liked her, well I used to like her a lot, but this story reminds me of how she played me. We got close, but then again she was just having a good time. Also, I did not seem to grasp any intentions, or reward in the end. Perhaps, with a great set, like a bus wagon setting, this play would be very awesome a theater.
ReplyDelete-Francisco J. Aboytes