The Plastic Age · Question
How does The Plastic Age develop the theme of Disillusionment and Loss of Innocence?
Answer
The Plastic Age by Percy Marks develops Disillusionment and Loss of Innocence across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Hugh's college years shatter his naive beliefs about professors, fraternities, and himself, leading to a painful but necessary recognition of human imperfection and complexity.
Hugh is disillusioned by the sophomores' 'dirty' behavior and the humiliation of classmates like Wilkins and Billings, marking a loss of his naive view of college as a purely noble experience.
Hugh's growing dissatisfaction with Helen and the hollow post-game excitement reflect a broader disillusionment with college life.
Graham's frank talk about fraternity politics and Hugh's dawning realization that fraternities are not idealistic brotherhoods contribute to this theme.
Evidence in the book
- VII
Hugh is disillusioned by the sophomores' 'dirty' behavior and the humiliation of classmates like Wilkins and Billings, marking a loss of his naive view of college as a purely noble experience.
- The Long Winter of Study
Hugh's growing dissatisfaction with Helen and the hollow post-game excitement reflect a broader disillusionment with college life.
- XII
Graham's frank talk about fraternity politics and Hugh's dawning realization that fraternities are not idealistic brotherhoods contribute to this theme.
- The Fight for Study and the Spring Sings
Hugh feels uninspired by his instructors and finds the Prom atmosphere 'hectic' and confusing, signaling a growing disillusionment with aspects of college life.
- XV
Hugh and others question the beliefs instilled by parents and church, feeling lost and confused.
- XVI
Hugh's illusions about professors, fraternity brotherhood, and his own moral choices are shattered.
- XVII
Henley's lecture shatters the students' naive chauvinism, forcing them to confront the hypocrisy and mediocrity of their college ideals.
- Chapter XVIII
Hugh's growing disgust with Sanford and Nu Delta, his feeling of being 'bilked,' and his regret over ignoring Graham's advice highlight his loss of idealistic expectations about college and fraternity life.
