The Plastic Age · Theme
Alcohol and Excess
How The Plastic Age develops Alcohol and Excess.
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.
Where it surfaces
- 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.