On Sure Thing by David Ives - Research Paper Example

The actions, reactions, beliefs, attitude and character psychology become the most important part of the play and create the definite response that is expected in the play. The concept of Sure Thing is then dependent on the psychological associations and expectations that change throughout the play and are defined by the layers to the character. The main concept that Ives uses to characterize the changes in the psychology is through Betty and Bill and their relationship that grows as they get to know each other.

The psychology of the characters and the way that they relate to each other changes when the bell rings. By this occurring, the correct scenario is created in the end, which the author creates as being significant by the statement of “sure thing.” The bell changing the scene becomes the signifier that is attributed to the play and leads to the main concepts of psychological relationships and how this creates both the play and the relationships which are held between two individuals. The changes in relationship become the stabilizer in the play because of the continuous changes in the character.

This is done to define the main attributes of the characters while changing these with acceptance or rejection based on personality (Hauptmann 1). The dimensions of the characters and displays which are created by building continuous changes in identity as a psychological, as opposed to a physical, attribute (Rusko Hamar 509). The concept of character identity expression is one which is traditionally used in places to identify the specific attributes which each individual has. Voice fluctuations, differences in costumes and divisions are used to create the identity.

Within each of these are symbols to show that the individual represents a specific set of characteristics, specifically which they never go out of. The personality features are then able to create an understanding that specific psychological attributes are associated with the main classifications of the day while building changes that relate only to the main characteristic and identity. This specific concept is used with a variety of plays and is expected as a main component in traditional theater (Rusko Hamar 509).

The difference with Ives work is that the same characters are used. The only difference is in how the character chooses to respond and what is associated with this alteration. For instance, when Bill is talking to Betty, both make several statements that are not considered as psychologically acceptable by Betty. At these times, the bell rings and a different persona is taken. An example of this is when Bill starts to ask Betty more personal questions. “Bill: Do you come in here a lot? Betty: Every once in a while. Do you? Bill: Not so much anymore.

Not as much as I used to. Before my nervous breakdown. (bell)” (Act 1, scene 1). This is one of several examples that show the transparent psychology which is stated becomes unacceptable. The bell allows this to be avoided and a different characteristic or psychological response to be replaced with the information that is given. By changing the response and characteristic, there is the ability to create the right layers to the character until one fits with the other in terms of psychological responses.

The ability to break the psychological attributes and characteristics of both of the characters is one which doesn’t take place as a voice only of the several sides of Betty and Bill. There are also