The Furnace Play Analysis

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Courtesy of: AP/Ed Andrieski (All rights reserved). Rafael Gutierrez Dr. Sinclair-Wood Readings and Literature 30 October 2012 The Fence: A Brief Overview of the Laramie Project The Laramie Project, written and directed by Moisés Kaufman, is a somber play about the reaction of residents of Laramie, Wyoming to the beating and subsequent killing of a college-aged male. There are many aspects of the play that are worth discussing further into detail. This play is portrayed by six men and two women that represent about 30 or so character, which include ranchers, bartenders and students of the University of Wyoming in Laramie. The play recounts the post-reaction of these residents to the 1998 murder of a young…show more content…
We get a glimpse of the hatred by some of the townspeople when the Baptist priest, Reverend Fred Phelps, shows up at Matthew's funeral with his fundamentalist Christian followers. They express their message of "God hates fags," and condemn Matthew to an eternity in hell. It cannot be denied that this kind of expression creates a culture of intolerance. It is also to be noted that there was a large amount of support for Matthew. On one particular night there were around 200 people marching in downtown Laramie in support and remembrance of Matthew. It is important to know that there were hundreds more people in support of Matthew than against him. Another point that is undeniably relevant within this play is the power of ideas in shaping and justifying human behavior. Why would these two boys act against another in such a horrendous manner? What motivations did these boys have (apart from Matthew touching one of them)? One must comprehend the mentality behind the boys’ actions to understand why they have done this. How were these boys raised? What thoughts did their parents or guardians implant in them? These and many more questions may be asked to come closer to the…show more content…
They chose to drag the unconscious body of their victim to a fence. They chose to tie him up. They chose to beat him until he was nearly dead. They chose to leave him alone, twisted and crucified on that fence. And they chose not to tell anyone of Matthew's whereabouts. Every punch, every kick, every action was the result of some decision. And even if every decision was made “in the moment” it still does not relieve the killers of their moral and legal culpability. Their sentencing was well deserved, and will probably never be freemen again. "The Laramie Project" tells the story in a journalistic manner, since it is assembled from real interviews and court testimonies. The play never shows Matthew or allows for a direct quote from him in the play. Yet, the reader is still able to feel his ubiquitous presence. It demonstrates that although someone has passes, their thoughts and actions will still live on. It is true today that Matthew’s murder has gathered people from every part of this nation. They come united to fight for the new "hate crimes laws" which have or will be implemented in state legislatures. Matthew will always be
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