The Spectacular

“I have nothing to complain about, not yet. I’m aware of my limitations, but I’m not defined by them.”

Early in the exposition, Marion asserts full control over her life despite the marked opposition she receives from her family. Even though she faces unpredicted circumstances, she asserts power over her reaction to that which she cannot directly control. Whether she is dealing with the actions of a domestic terrorist or her own inevitable physical decline, she accepts what cannot be changed and chooses her own best path to move forward.

“Simon Brooks was born into a working-class family on the Lower East Side and went from slogging around the city in work boots to pushing papers in a corner office as a salaried executive, an incredible feat.”

This passage creates a succinct yet effective characterization of Simon's approach to life. Although Marion regularly disagrees with her father’s worldviews, she respects him for his achievements. A self-made man, Simon overcame the hardships of the Great Depression and fought to secure a safe home and secure income for his family. Later, when Simon manipulates and lies to Marion and Judy, Marion generously credits Simon’s insecure upbringing as his motivation for his inexcusable behavior.

“How tragic to think that all that was left of Lucille’s burgeoning career had been packed into a box and hidden in an attic, untouched until now.”

Entering adulthood, Marion desperately wants to know more about Lucille’s life, aspirations, and motivations. Marion recognizes that the items from her mother’s acting career must have been important for her to save them. Faced with a similar decision (to sacrifice her freedom for her family or to embrace the opportunities of a dancing career), Marion wishes to know more about her mother’s choices in order to gain greater insight into Simon’s current motivations to oppose her own aspirations.