Neil Simon's Thesis in Lost in Yonkers
"Big families are important when you have trouble in your life." (Simon 15)
The Kurnitz family consisted of seven people: Arty, Jay, Aunt Gert, Eddie, Aunt Bella, Uncle Louie, and Grandma. They have trouble in their life, usually caused by one another, but only they could truly make each other happy. They had their arguments but the subject often revolved around each other. Aunt Bella told her family about her plans to get married before actually doing it. She would have gone through with it, if not for her family. She fought and fought for her say but something about family's words always change one's mind. They fights with each other develop their character. Readers see their values and what they stand for. Simon says that family needs to stay apart of everyone's life, even if the family acts as the conflict, because in the end they will make one truly complete.
American Values
Neil Simon's play, Lost in Yonkers, remains under "American Values" classification. One can achieve the American dream but will endure hardships. Many people believe that America will bring riches, a family, and wealth for years to come. Neil Simon shows the other side of America, or rather the reality America during 1942. In 1942, Germany, Japan, and America fought and created a war. Many people do not have enough money to support themselves. With a world full of dreams, this proves hard for most people to live through. The lack of money that the Kurtniz's live with trouble their family. Simon shows that sometimes people do drastic things to obtain money, such as Uncle Louie. He associates with people who steal and cheat others for money. America does not always mean freedom and wealth. Simon does an excellent job relating reality to the American dream.
Author: Annemarie C.