Monday, February 27, 2017
Blog Post Two
Ari Weissfeld
In Neil Butte's Shape of Things there are instances revealing flawed moral characteristics of the individuals involved. Two individuals who lack in morals are Adam and Jenny. Jenny influences Adam to participate in cheating even though they both had significant others at the time. Jenny was the lead seducer, also she was in a engaged to her significant. However, Adam was just starting to get serious with Eve. Another individual who lacks the morals is Phillip who participates in hateful speech towards Eve and shares a kiss with her to get back at Jenny. Also, lacking in morals Eve for violating the Ethic of Justice. She manipulates Adam the entire play as part of her art project losing sight of the individuals personal interests.
Eve's manipulation of Adam with only the success of her art project in mind shows low levels of morals. However, the manipulation of Adam did not result in bad things and the changes improved his appearance. Some will say that Adam does not care for how society looks at him and changing him to go against his beliefs is unethical. Eve did not force him to get any of the changes though Adam could just have said no if he did not want to change his appearance and conform to please society.
Phillip's interactions with Eve unravels the many moral flaws he has. The first time they interact they get into a heated argument about how she is changing Adam. He calls her a bitch and other obscenities when it does not seem like she is harming Adam. Also, Phillip meets up with Eve while still with Jenny and they kiss. However, this was to get back at Jenny for cheating on him with Adam.
Considering all individuals in the story Adam is guilty of having the least morals. Eve did make him change to the contrary of his beliefs, but an argument can be made that Eve changed him for the better. Also, Eve did not force him to do any of the changes and they were all good changes. In addition, Adam while in a serious relationship with Eve cheats on her with Jenny. After committing this sinful act he continually ensures Eve that nothing happened, but merely a kiss. The combination of cheating on Jenny and continually lying about it to Eve makes Adam my pick for having the least morals.
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I find what you provide to be quite interesting. Instead of only focusing on Evelyn and Adam like everyone else, you bring focus on Phillip and Jenny as well. I must also say that I very much agree with you on Adam having the least morals, especially since he makes many bad decisions himself and has a choice between right and wrong (tending to choose wrong).
ReplyDeleteOverall, Eve did probably change him for the better, but does that make it right that she lied to him about everything? And is it actually for the better if he lost most of the characteristics that made him himself? An argument can be made that the best version of himself would be however he feels most comfortable and happy in.
ReplyDeleteyou described the situation very well but then you also said that Evelyn changed Adams morals but at the end you said Adam was the one that had the least morals you said two things that contradicted to eachother
ReplyDeleteYou do a nice job looking at the character's choices, but your conclusion is a little confusing since Eve also continually lies to Adam.
ReplyDeleteYour point that Adam is responsible for the changes that happened to him suggests you believe in personal responsibility (the "ethics of justice"). But it is troubling that Eve could be so detached from the hurt she caused Adam because she wanted to make great art and was uncompromising in trying to make it (not interested in the "Ethic of Caring").
Any way, I hope we can agree Labute's play is great art--it is uncomfortable, makes us think, and brings to light something that beneath the surface. I think the strong female character is an added bonus. I suspect if Eve was a guy and Adam was a girl, we'd take less issue with the manipulation that went on.
If Eve caused Adam pain just for a project which shows her selfish desires.
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