Lloyd - Nursing
What are five relevant Given Circumstances: Lloyd is a disease test subject because he volunteered for it. He volunteered because he wanted to die so desperately. He had suicidal tendencies mainly because of what he did during his time in the military. He joined the military because he wanted some sense of purpose in his life. He wanted some purpose because he thinks his life is utter shit and feels like a coward.
What do they want and why?: Lloyd wants to volunteer at this disease museum because he hated his past and wants to kill himself. However, he also gets pleasure out of being tortured like this; constantly getting infected then cured.
What are five verbs/tactics they use in the play?: Persuasive, Playful, Sorrowing, Numb, Intrigued
Cite an example in the play where they used one of the verbs: Sorrowing
Lloyd: ...I'm sorry
Erin: Don't you want to know your son?
He says nothing.
Erin: What am I supposed to say to him when he finds out who you are?
Lloyd: Tell him the truth.
Erin: Which is what?
Lloyd: That I'm a coward.
(pg. 46)
What page has the monologue?: Pg. 33
Who are they speaking to and what is their relationship?: Andy, Lloyd's nurse or personal caretaker, is reading Green Eggs and Ham to Lloyd.
Why do they speak uninterrupted?: Andy is reading Green Eggs and Ham to Lloyd. Lloyd really wanted Andy to read this book to him not only for his own personal amusement, but for Andy to truly see beautiful it is. In addition, he wants him to see the hidden message behind the story and how easily the main character just surrenders to the Green Eggs and Ham.
What is the theme of the play? What is it about?: This dark, yet comedic play is about a retired Army veteran, named Lloyd, who volunteered to be a "test subject" at this disease museum. As a volunteer, he gets exposed to dangerous past diseases such as The Black Death, Cholera, Blackfrost, and others. Behind the play that gets put on for audiences while he gets administered the disease, is a man who gets joy out of harming himself. The main reason he wanted to volunteer was to ultimately kill himself, but they won't let him die. The directors keep him in a constant cycle of pain receiving new diseases every so often.
What resonated with you in the play?: To me, Lloyd's great sorrow resonated with me the most. How his life was completely down the drain and he felt like a coward. The things he did overseas while in the military played an important role in making him feel this way. This really sounds off to me since I wanted to join the military for a while. Seeing the mental toll service and many unwanted actions can do to someone is immense, dark, and can be brutal for those around him to bear witness.
Excellent work, Mathew. This is an exemplary Journal entry. I think you really connected to the piece and found its deeper meaning. Let's talk about those verbs though!
Can you rephrase the words you listed so that they are actions? While I agree that Lloyd is sorrowful and numb, those are not really actions he can take. Those are most States of being or emotional states.
Because Lloyd is numb, what does he DO to the people around him? Does he freeze them out? Does he insult them? Does he ignore them? Does he ever belittle people around him?
Keep trying to find active verbs for the characters rather than emotional states. When in doubt, as yourself if the word you have chosen can be DONE to someone else. Can you Sorrow at another person?
Great work with the text analysis of the story. I hope you enjoyed it.