Characters
(all images based on cast of 1993 film)
Arthur (Arty) Kurnitz
Pictured on the left, Arty started his journey at thirteen and a half. He shows his honesty when he first meets grandma answering the question for the reason he wants to live there he says, "...because we have no place else to go." (Simon 35) He does not prove smart on his feet, often bluntly saying things. This usually gets him into tough situations but always gets by with help from his brother, Jay.
Jacob (Jay) Kurnitz
Pictured on the left, Jay, almost sixteen years old and the older brother of Arty, keeps up with the events happening in their family. Everyone calls him Jay, except his grandmother. She calls him Yakob. His first thoughts about living with his grandmother do not delight him. He says "Dammit! I hate you so much. I hate Mom for dying. I hate Pop for putting us in this spot. I hate Grandma for being such a rotten old lady. I hate everybody in the whole goddamn world."(Simon 27) But as the play goes on, readers see character development. He strives to understand Grandma and admits to feeling bad for her. He shows maturity when reading the letters from their father and through his responses. He wants to help out the family and even considered going along with Uncle Louie to obtain money.
Bella Kurnitz
Bella, as shown in this picture, usually has a jovial personality. She always seems eager to help her family. People often describe her as having child-like qualities. However, she does not want to seem like a child but a woman. She describes herself through these words,"I'm as strong as an ox." (Simon 102) She shares this with her mother saying she wants a family and babies to take care of. This part in the book gives readers her real goal in life, "My babies will be happier than we were because I'll teach them to be happy." (Simon 102) She desires happiness.
Pictured on the left, Arty started his journey at thirteen and a half. He shows his honesty when he first meets grandma answering the question for the reason he wants to live there he says, "...because we have no place else to go." (Simon 35) He does not prove smart on his feet, often bluntly saying things. This usually gets him into tough situations but always gets by with help from his brother, Jay.
Jacob (Jay) Kurnitz
Pictured on the left, Jay, almost sixteen years old and the older brother of Arty, keeps up with the events happening in their family. Everyone calls him Jay, except his grandmother. She calls him Yakob. His first thoughts about living with his grandmother do not delight him. He says "Dammit! I hate you so much. I hate Mom for dying. I hate Pop for putting us in this spot. I hate Grandma for being such a rotten old lady. I hate everybody in the whole goddamn world."(Simon 27) But as the play goes on, readers see character development. He strives to understand Grandma and admits to feeling bad for her. He shows maturity when reading the letters from their father and through his responses. He wants to help out the family and even considered going along with Uncle Louie to obtain money.
Bella Kurnitz
Bella, as shown in this picture, usually has a jovial personality. She always seems eager to help her family. People often describe her as having child-like qualities. However, she does not want to seem like a child but a woman. She describes herself through these words,"I'm as strong as an ox." (Simon 102) She shares this with her mother saying she wants a family and babies to take care of. This part in the book gives readers her real goal in life, "My babies will be happier than we were because I'll teach them to be happy." (Simon 102) She desires happiness.
Louie Kurtinz
Always dressed with style, the picture on the left shows Louie. After appearing mysteriously one night in the candy shop while Arty and Jay snooped, Louie began to live with his mother once again. He gloated on his resistance toward her and his many run away victories. Arty and Jay always seemed suspicious of him. Louie describes his job as, "...a bodyguard for a very prominent and distinguished political figure. It's sort of like an FBI man, only they call it something else." (Simon 57) He gained money in odd ways and men would circle the store looking for him. Despite his dare-devilish ways, he did show concern for his family.
Always dressed with style, the picture on the left shows Louie. After appearing mysteriously one night in the candy shop while Arty and Jay snooped, Louie began to live with his mother once again. He gloated on his resistance toward her and his many run away victories. Arty and Jay always seemed suspicious of him. Louie describes his job as, "...a bodyguard for a very prominent and distinguished political figure. It's sort of like an FBI man, only they call it something else." (Simon 57) He gained money in odd ways and men would circle the store looking for him. Despite his dare-devilish ways, he did show concern for his family.
Grandma Kurnitz
Born in Germany, Grandma had a troubled childhood. People beat her as a child. In result of that, she raised her children with tough principles. She would reprimand them if they showed any sign of sadness. She took in Arty and Jay while their father went to make money to pay off a debt. She would answer with very sternly and order everyone around. Regardless of her mean demeanor, she ultimately loved her family. Everything she did had a purpose or a lesson. Readers see her true side when she talks to Bella, "It's my punishment for being alive...for surviving my own children...not dying before them is my sin..." (Simon 113)
Born in Germany, Grandma had a troubled childhood. People beat her as a child. In result of that, she raised her children with tough principles. She would reprimand them if they showed any sign of sadness. She took in Arty and Jay while their father went to make money to pay off a debt. She would answer with very sternly and order everyone around. Regardless of her mean demeanor, she ultimately loved her family. Everything she did had a purpose or a lesson. Readers see her true side when she talks to Bella, "It's my punishment for being alive...for surviving my own children...not dying before them is my sin..." (Simon 113)
Author: Annemarie C.