The Challenge
Viewing comments for Chapter 1 "The Challenge, Act 1, Scene 5"Young Man Has Doubts About Becoming a Priest
31 total reviews
Comment from Begin Again
Another fantastic Act as usual... One would expect no less. I remember kids yelling for the other to give in by saying Uncle but now days they have so much more slang that means things I would never understand.
You displayed James's drunkenness very well... it's hard to do. And of course, you have Phillip jumping from one thought to another. Very well done!
Smiles, Carol
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2021
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Another fantastic Act as usual... One would expect no less. I remember kids yelling for the other to give in by saying Uncle but now days they have so much more slang that means things I would never understand.
You displayed James's drunkenness very well... it's hard to do. And of course, you have Phillip jumping from one thought to another. Very well done!
Smiles, Carol
Comment Written 05-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2021
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Thank you, Carol for your warm response to my play. I'm fortunate to have you aboard. I'm glad you are enjoying my play.
Comment from Judy Lawless
This is an interesting scene, Jay. You've done a good job of further developing the characters. It's interesting that James, who has high ambitions, is already too drunk to speak properly, but only Phillip calls him on it. The dialogue and interactions are well done, natural. I look forward to the next scene.
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2021
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This is an interesting scene, Jay. You've done a good job of further developing the characters. It's interesting that James, who has high ambitions, is already too drunk to speak properly, but only Phillip calls him on it. The dialogue and interactions are well done, natural. I look forward to the next scene.
Comment Written 05-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2021
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Thank you, Judy. Phillip's mother did mention to him in Scene 1 that James was drunk, and she hoped Phillip would talk to him about it. Margaret doesn't rule the house with an iron fist.
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You?re welcome, Jay. Sorry, I forgot that detail from Scene 1. Margaret does seem to avoid confrontation.
Comment from Ric Myworld
Boys will be boys at any age. And Phillip and James are no exception. This scene put some things in my head that sort of my me question my ideas from early on. Now, I'm anxious for the next scene to see where it goes. Thanks for sharing.
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2021
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Boys will be boys at any age. And Phillip and James are no exception. This scene put some things in my head that sort of my me question my ideas from early on. Now, I'm anxious for the next scene to see where it goes. Thanks for sharing.
Comment Written 05-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2021
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Thank you, Ric, for stopping by to read this scene. Your reviews are always encouraging and helpful.
Comment from BethShelby
I understand what you mean by saying Uncle but I haven't heard the younger people using it. I didn't understand the "Queschun-a-bul." Is that another language or just slurred speech? It seems James believes his brother is homosexual, but Phillip isn't ready to see himself in that light. I wonder if Susan will have a role and does she understand what is going on around her?
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2021
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I understand what you mean by saying Uncle but I haven't heard the younger people using it. I didn't understand the "Queschun-a-bul." Is that another language or just slurred speech? It seems James believes his brother is homosexual, but Phillip isn't ready to see himself in that light. I wonder if Susan will have a role and does she understand what is going on around her?
Comment Written 05-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2021
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That is interesting that you mention Susan. Unfortunately, she's become only a prop in the play. I had other uses for her, but I never got around to developing them. Thank you so much for your always encouraging reviews, Beth.
Comment from Senyai
Jay,
... and as you fold each layer back in the Dellaney family dynamics, there is much to ponder. Hmm, the roles people are assigned (or the roles they assign to themselves) are for reasons not entirely understood. But some aspects of these roles are to the family dynamic of responding to each other's characteristics. Such an interesting delve into these forces at play here, Jay. Arthur has left and with him he takes an unyielding notion that Phillip is a homosexual who is in the very act of denying his true nature. Phillip is conflicted but resumes his family role of the older brother and the man of the house since the death of his father. James is drunk and assumes his role as younger sibling who has aspirations of being on the city council even as Phillip is priming him for being President of the United States. Phillip wants James to stop drinking and do something earth shattering with his life, just as his mother Margaret wants Phillip to be a dutiful priest, righteous beyond human capabilities. The only member of the family escaping the pressures to succeed is Susan. Even she has her place to balance tea trays of cups and sugar on her lap without spilling them as her mother wheels her through the swinging doors.
Interesting segment as these two grown men arm wrestle on the living room floor with James uttering a cryptic omen that sets Phillip on his self doubt treadmill once more.
" No, no, no, no, no! I'll go take my col' shower, brother. But when I come out all sober and smellin' pretty ... you're still ... gonna be ... whooo you aaare."
Does James mean this about himself, about Phillip or just as a benign statement about human frailty in general? Phillip takes it personally as he waits for Professor Fitzimonds.
It must be terrifying for Phillip as so many are alluding to his sexuality within the past few days. He wants to make a clean break with his past before embarking on celibate priesthood. What is troubling to him, is he choosing the priesthood so he doesn't have to confront his sexuality? In the 1950's homosexuality is a huge no no and best kept hidden from public knowledge and more importantly is regarded as a sin, an abomination.
Deep and expertly written unfolding drama that has great relevancy to today.
Always,
Senyai
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2021
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Jay,
... and as you fold each layer back in the Dellaney family dynamics, there is much to ponder. Hmm, the roles people are assigned (or the roles they assign to themselves) are for reasons not entirely understood. But some aspects of these roles are to the family dynamic of responding to each other's characteristics. Such an interesting delve into these forces at play here, Jay. Arthur has left and with him he takes an unyielding notion that Phillip is a homosexual who is in the very act of denying his true nature. Phillip is conflicted but resumes his family role of the older brother and the man of the house since the death of his father. James is drunk and assumes his role as younger sibling who has aspirations of being on the city council even as Phillip is priming him for being President of the United States. Phillip wants James to stop drinking and do something earth shattering with his life, just as his mother Margaret wants Phillip to be a dutiful priest, righteous beyond human capabilities. The only member of the family escaping the pressures to succeed is Susan. Even she has her place to balance tea trays of cups and sugar on her lap without spilling them as her mother wheels her through the swinging doors.
Interesting segment as these two grown men arm wrestle on the living room floor with James uttering a cryptic omen that sets Phillip on his self doubt treadmill once more.
" No, no, no, no, no! I'll go take my col' shower, brother. But when I come out all sober and smellin' pretty ... you're still ... gonna be ... whooo you aaare."
Does James mean this about himself, about Phillip or just as a benign statement about human frailty in general? Phillip takes it personally as he waits for Professor Fitzimonds.
It must be terrifying for Phillip as so many are alluding to his sexuality within the past few days. He wants to make a clean break with his past before embarking on celibate priesthood. What is troubling to him, is he choosing the priesthood so he doesn't have to confront his sexuality? In the 1950's homosexuality is a huge no no and best kept hidden from public knowledge and more importantly is regarded as a sin, an abomination.
Deep and expertly written unfolding drama that has great relevancy to today.
Always,
Senyai
Comment Written 05-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2021
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Once again, you've outdone yourself. Yours is a marvelous examination of the characters' motives and personalities. I would correct one part of it: They were full-out wrestling on the floor, not arm wrestling. Steve's reference to Phillip still being "whooo you aaare" has to do with what the reader can only guess was Phillip's sharing with his brother his personal doubts about his sexuality. But it's only a guess. I haven't revealed that to the reader. (This play is taking over, Senyai. It is not how I originally envisioned it.) Thanks, as usual, for all you've done to support me with your enthusiasm. And, of course, the six!
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Thanks, Jay. I meant wrestling not arm wrestling but I got thrown off by the picture of arms clasped together that opened your scene 5. And did I miss something here? who is Steve? Phillip?s brother is James isn?t it? Or is Professor Fitzimond?s first name Steve?
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Sorry about the Steve reference. I have no idea who he is. Should have been James. Sorry. I can see how the arms might throw you. So hard to find an appropriate picture for "brothers". I had to go with something symbolic, not actual. Again, thanks!
Comment from amahra
You are really good at writing these plays. It's almost as though we are right there with your characters. Loved the playfulness of the brothers. Great job!
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2021
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You are really good at writing these plays. It's almost as though we are right there with your characters. Loved the playfulness of the brothers. Great job!
Comment Written 05-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2021
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Thank you Amahra, again, for your encouraging review and for the glittery six stars. Both make me smile!
Comment from davisr (Rhonda)
Great chapter, my friend.
I love the interplay between the brothers. Reminds me of my sons. Pinning the other down does seem to be the hallmark of brother's interactions, haha.
It seems James is pretty intuitive about his brother, even if Phillip still struggles with self-identity.
I like the inclusion of the handicapped sister and how the mother finds a way to include her in daily activities.
Take care,
Rhonda
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2021
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Great chapter, my friend.
I love the interplay between the brothers. Reminds me of my sons. Pinning the other down does seem to be the hallmark of brother's interactions, haha.
It seems James is pretty intuitive about his brother, even if Phillip still struggles with self-identity.
I like the inclusion of the handicapped sister and how the mother finds a way to include her in daily activities.
Take care,
Rhonda
Comment Written 05-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2021
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Thank you, Rhonda, for the six stars, but more, for your enthusiastic support. It's good to know when something is honestly appreciated. Susan, unfortunately, isn't working out as I had envisioned. Hopefully, she will intrude her presence in the action soon.
Comment from tfawcus
I've never heard the expression 'uncle' in that context. It would be interesting to know its derivation.
When I was at school in England, we used 'Pax (L: peace)' or 'barley (by your leave?)', the latter contraction being similar to Goodbye (God be with ye)
It's not easy to render the slurred speech of a drunk, but I think you've done it particularly well here.
As in previous scenes, the interaction between characters is both electric and authentic.
second story [storey] landing
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2021
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I've never heard the expression 'uncle' in that context. It would be interesting to know its derivation.
When I was at school in England, we used 'Pax (L: peace)' or 'barley (by your leave?)', the latter contraction being similar to Goodbye (God be with ye)
It's not easy to render the slurred speech of a drunk, but I think you've done it particularly well here.
As in previous scenes, the interaction between characters is both electric and authentic.
second story [storey] landing
Comment Written 05-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2021
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Thank you, Tony. As always your enthusiasm and helpful eye is important to me. As for story/storey, the latter is British, Australian and Canadian spelling. Early on I used that spelling, but was criticized soundly by a professional editor for trying to sound Brit-ish! I've since checked it out online. Interestingly enough, apparently Britain used "story" until the 1940s, then changed it to "storey". Again ... thanks, my dear friend! Your six is over-the-top, Sir!
Comment from country ranch writer
Times in a young man's kike can be daunting finding his place in the world, so much pressure to decide on his sexuality.is he it isn't he everyone us bugging him.
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2021
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Times in a young man's kike can be daunting finding his place in the world, so much pressure to decide on his sexuality.is he it isn't he everyone us bugging him.
Comment Written 05-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2021
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Thank you, BJ, for the glittery six stars and for your encouraging commentary. I'm happy you're following this and enjoying it.
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🥸😎
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🥸😎
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I don't know what the two little boxes mean that you sent to me twice.
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Supposed yottabyte be decorations darn.
Comment from Alcreator Litt Dear
This General Script, a chapter in the book The Challenge, Act 1, Scene 5, speaks dramatically brother love; well said, well done, thanks 4 sharing this, keep posting, I, DR, love reviews; ALCREATOR
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2021
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This General Script, a chapter in the book The Challenge, Act 1, Scene 5, speaks dramatically brother love; well said, well done, thanks 4 sharing this, keep posting, I, DR, love reviews; ALCREATOR
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 05-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 06-Dec-2021
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Many thanks, Alcreator. I'm happy you're enjoying the play.