The Plastic Age · Question
How does The Plastic Age develop the theme of Alcohol and Excess?
Answer
The Plastic Age by Percy Marks develops Alcohol and Excess across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Drinking is a pervasive element of campus life, symbolizing both rebellion and escapism, with characters using alcohol to recapture youthful thrills or cope with emotional turmoil.
Though not explicitly about alcohol, the smoker rally features excessive smoking, a form of indulgence and excess typical of college life at the time.
Alumni and undergraduates get drunk to celebrate the moon before the game, reflecting the culture of excess surrounding the big event.
The dance is marked by widespread drunkenness among both men and women, with Hugh repulsed by the whisky breaths, vomiting, and 'crying jag,' highlighting the theme of alcohol-fueled debauchery.
Evidence in the book
- IX
Though not explicitly about alcohol, the smoker rally features excessive smoking, a form of indulgence and excess typical of college life at the time.
- The Big Game and the Serenade
Alumni and undergraduates get drunk to celebrate the moon before the game, reflecting the culture of excess surrounding the big event.
- XIX
The dance is marked by widespread drunkenness among both men and women, with Hugh repulsed by the whisky breaths, vomiting, and 'crying jag,' highlighting the theme of alcohol-fueled debauchery.
- Chapter XX
Hugh's drinking escalates due to Vinton's constant offers of Scotch, and the fraternity's failure to ban liquor highlights the pervasiveness of excess.
- XXI
Hugh's daily drinking from Vinton and his growing acceptance of vices like smoking and gambling.
- Prom
Heavy drinking at the Prom and fraternity events leads to drunkenness, loss of control, and a near-sexual encounter, highlighting the destructive side of college party culture.
