Brighton Beach Memoirs

“How would you feel if your entire life depended on what your Uncle Jack decided?...Oh, God, I wish Daddy were alive.”

This quote is indicative of Nora’s arc throughout the play. She grapples with the implications of her father’s death and tries to assert her individuality by making her own decisions. It also pertains to gender, as she expresses discomfort at her future being in the hands of the men in her life.

“Except I’ll have to discuss it with Pop. I know we need the money. But he told me once, you always have to do what you think is right in this world and stand up for your principles.”

Stanley idolizes Jack and frequently places his opinion above all else. He is grappling with subjecting the family to further financial strain because of the weight of his father’s words.

“I can’t get by without that extra twenty-five dollars a week. I can’t pay rent and insurance and food and clothing for seven people. Christmas and New Year’s alone I made a hundred and fifty dollars.”

Jack often puts on a brave face for his children despite his own hardships. When alone with Kate, the audience gets a glimpse of his vulnerable core.

“There’s men in that temple who’ve been praying for forty years. You know how many prayers have to get answered before my turn comes up?”

Jewish values and culture influence every character in the play. They frequently discuss the dire reality of antisemitism, suggest going to temple in times of hardship, and buy groceries from the Jewish deli. Jack notices members of his community who devote time to honoring their religious traditions without reaping rewards. This in conjunction with his repeated acknowledgment of the brewing war abroad suggests Jack’s faith in religion is shaking in times of personal turmoil.

“If you’re Jewish, you’ve got a cousin suffering somewhere in the world.”

The play occurs as World War II begins brewing in Europe. This quote highlights the depth of the family’s Jewish roots and their connection to their community. The use of “cousin” is both literal and metaphorical: Jack’s cousin Sholem is trying to escape Poland, and the whole family is attuned to the struggles of Jewish people abroad. The prevalence of antisemitism during this time makes the Jeromes empathetic to the suffering of others.

“What God gives us, we deal with.”

This is another example of the family’s dedication to Judaism. In this instance, Jack is suggesting that God has reasons for their hardships. Until they can uncover what they are, they must continue persevering.

“The boat didn’t get here yet. I can’t deal with boats that haven’t landed yet.”

The metaphor Kate uses demonstrates her outlook and approach to life. In times of hardship, she refuses to (or can’t) dedicate energy to anything not immediately impacting her or her family.

“I wrapped my life up in Dave so much, I never learned to be their mother.”

Blanche is introspective and often hard on herself for her past behavior. She notes that her grief at her husband’s passing impacted her relationship with her children. This is one of many times when she toes the line between reflection and self hatred.

“You learn it. It’s handed down from generation to generation. That’s how our cultures spread.”

Here, Stanley tells Eugene that generations of boys and men have taught each other about the intricacies of puberty. His reference to generations suggests that he wants to be there for Eugene to the best of his abilities during this time in his life.

“When does it get easier, Kate? When does our life get easier?”

After facing several financial setbacks, Jack at his wits end. He also notes the struggles that others in his family are facing. As someone who is used to being a provider, Jack seems to be unmoored by the Jeromes’ recent period of bad luck and is unable to hide his feelings any longer. This quote also demonstrates his trust in Kate, as he is able to be vulnerable with her.

“The question is, can this family afford principles right now?”

Jack is trying to guide Stanley through his conflict with his boss. It demonstrates the influence of money on the family. There are a different set of rules for the working poor, and financial stability must be prioritized. Stanley grapples with this realization and needs to decide if his morals are more important than his family’s safety.

“STANLEY. My principles feel better already. You told me you were proud of what I did. That’s all I really cared about.

JACK. You know something, Stanley—I don’t think there’s much in college they could teach you that you don’t already know.”

While Eugene has academic talent, Stanley graduated high school and immediately entered the workforce. As such, he often feels inferior. Here, Jack is showing Stanley that he is proud of him despite his different path. It demonstrates the egalitarian approach he takes to parenting.

“Every time I get in trouble, I have to tell you what a naked girl looks like?”

Stanley expresses his frustrations that Eugene seems to only help him for self-serving reasons. Eugene’s current motivations are driven by his reality as a teenage boy, but Stanley’s observation of this behavior suggests that their relationship could be jeopardized if Eugene continues to be selfish. Though there is levity behind Eugene’s demands, Stanley is experiencing adult problems, which implies a potential divide between the brothers. 

“Four A’s and a B…That’s good. That’s real good, Eugene…You’re smart…I want you to go to college…I want you to be somebody important someday…Because I’m not…I’m no damn good.”

This quote demonstrates Stanley’s insecurities. He feels Eugene has a better future because he strives to go to college and get out of Brighton Beach. However, his acknowledgment of Eugene’s potential makes him feel that he has none of his own. This underscores Stanley’s drive to please his family.

“I’m not going to leave you. I promise. If I didn’t leave you for another woman, I’m certainly not going to drop dead just to leave you.”

Despite having just suffered a heart attack that set his family back financially, Jack is able to lovingly joke with Kate. This quote is one of many instances where the pair relies on humor to get them through adversity, thus demonstrating the strength of their bond.

“She knows she can get to me so easily…That’s what I get for making decisions.”

Blanche was able to briefly break out of her passive nature; however, a negative response from Nora shakes her. The fallout between her and Nora makes her feel as though she is not equipped to make decisions on her own. Blanche’s main challenge throughout the play is to assert herself.

“I was the workhorse and you were the pretty one.”

Kate still holds resentment toward Blanche regarding their childhood dynamics. Considering the duo’s current situation, this pattern appears to be repeating itself: Blanche is living off of Kate and Jack’s hospitality.

“[...] as long as I wasn’t to blame, I didn’t feel all that bad about things. That’s when I realized I had a selfish streak in me. I sure hope I grow out of it.”

The events of the play finally force Eugene to be introspective. He is a people pleaser as a result of feeling that he is constantly under attack. As such, he is happy to have others take the blame on his behalf. Here, Eugene recognizes how this habit is putting his relationships at risk. His ability to acknowledge his flaws allows the audience to continue rooting for him.

“You don’t go in the Army unless they come and get you. You go to college. You hear me? Promise me you’ll go to college.”

Stanley feels as though it is too late for him to make anything of himself. However, he has faith in Eugene’s potential. He is willing to sacrifice his future and happiness if it means Eugene can succeed.

“I guess there comes a time in everybody’s life when you say, ‘This very moment is the end of my childhood.’ When Stanley closed the door, I knew that moment had come to me…I was scared. I was lonely. And I hated my mother and father for making him so unhappy. Even if they were right, I still hated them…I even hated Stanley a little because he left me there to grow up all by myself.”

Eugene understands that growing up is difficult and wants to feel prepared. He sees Stanley as a key to that preparation. While Stanley sees Eugene as the connection to a future he cannot have, Eugene sees Stanley as crucial for any future success. The brothers need and rely on each other.

“...I have been jealous my whole life of Laurie because she was lucky enough to be born sick. I could never turn a light on in my room at night or read in bed because Laurie always needed her precious sleep. I could never have a friend over on the weekends because Laurie was always resting. I used to pray I’d get some terrible disease or get hit by a car so I’d have a leg all twisted or crippled and then once, maybe just once, I’d get to crawl into bed next to you on a cold rainy night and talk to you and hold you until I fell asleep in your arms…just once…” 

Nora’s feelings about Laurie parallel Kate’s resentment toward Blanche. Having just heard how her sheltered upbringing alienated Kate, Blanche is able to react to this admission with a more empathetic perspective that allows to mend her relationship with Nora.

“But I am not going to be a doormat for all the frustrations and unhappiness that you or Aunt Kate or anyone else wants to lay at my feet…I did not create this universe. I do not decide who lives and dies, or who’s rich or poor or who feels loved and who feels deprived. If you feel cheated that Laurie gets more than you, then I feel cheated that I had a husband who died at thirty-six. And if you keep on feeling that way, you’ll end up like me – with something much worse than loneliness or helplessness and that’s self-pity. Believe me, there’s no leg that’s twisted or bent that is more rippling than a human being who thrives on his own misfortunes…I am sorry, Nora, that you feel unloved and I will do everything I can to change it except apologize for it. I am tired of apologizing. After a while it becomes your life’s work and it doesn’t bring any money into the house. If it’s taken your pain and Aunt Kate’s anger to get me to start living again, then God will give me the strength to make it up to you, but I will not go back to being that frightened helpless woman that I created. I’ve already buried someone I love. Now it’s time to bury someone I hate.”

Blanche’s conversation with Kate is a turning point in her character arc. She previously blamed herself for Nora’s treatment of her. However, equipped with the knowledge that Kate sees her passivity as an unhealthy quality, she is able to assert herself for the first time.

“I knew Ma didn’t really mean it when she said she’d never forgive me for losing the money, but if I walked out on the family now, maybe she never would.”

Stanley’s explanation for not joining the army demonstrates the importance of family in times of hardship. The Jeromes’ financial hardships are a fact of the play. By suggesting abandoning his family would be a greater transgression than losing a week’s salary, Stanley shows how the Jeromes’ ultimate priority is each other.