Playwriting and Screenwriting
Protagonist: Lauren (me)
Their goal: For her family to understand her different views. Conflict: Differing religious views
Resolution: For her family to understand (not reached)
INT. Christmas eve at a family members house
The family is sitting at the dining room table eating Christmas dinner together.
Trey (Cousin)
- - “Was that church service amazing or what?”
Lauren
- - “Yes I liked it! I wish they didn’t push the fact of unwavering belief so much, I don’t think it's a bad thing to question our beliefs. I think it makes more informed believers. -
Faith (sister) *rolling her eyes*
- “She only says that because she doesn’t believe in God.”
*Forks drop, silence, everyone looks at Lauren at the end of the table”
Mom *staring at lauren, gripping her fork tightly*
- - “You're an atheist Lauren? Don’t even say that at this table”
Lauren
- - “Well, I wouldn’t say I am an atheist per se, I am more agnostic. I want to learn what else is out there before I just agree to all that I know.
- Trey (cousin) *gritting teeth, looking at lauren with one eyebrow raised*
- “So what do you think happened to my mom when she died? Or uncle Ron, grandpa,Daniel? You don’t think they are in heaven?”
*Lauren looks around for help, realizes she’s the only one is disagreement, showing signs of discomfort*
Lauren:
- “I would love to think they are in heaven watching over us and maybe in some capacitythey are. But I personally think religion was put into place to comfort all of us in our fear of death and losing loved ones. It’s more of a hope thing.
Great aunt *annoyed tone, rolling eyes*
- “College is just the breeding grounds for atheist and liberals”
Lauren: *annoyed tone*
- “Or it offers different perspectives and chances to see outside or our little towns bubbleover what is right and wrong”
Mom:
“ Oh god, next she’s going to say that she’s libral”
*Silence*
Lauren
“I mean....”
Mom: *interrupts*
- - Lord help us all.
Sister:
- - “So what do you think happens when we die then”
Lauren:
- - “I don’t know, part of me thinks that nothing happens, it’s just death and then nothing more. I think part of the problem is that we can’t comprehend life continuing without our existence, so therefore religion gives us hope.
Sister:
- - “And you think that the universe just appeared one day and life perfectly resulted in this”
Lauren:
- I believe in science, they seem to have a better understanding than I do. Also, my wholefirst year of biology was dedicated to understanding how natural selection over timecreated life as we know it. I mean, some guy in the sky judging our character isn’t exactly a full proof explanation of what happened.
Mom: *tears in eyes*
“ I don’t want my daughter to go to hell, that's not how I raised you”
Lauren:
“ If the only reason that I believe in something is because of fear, I don’t think that's a very sound belief. I hate the idea that if you don’t believe then you are condemned to burning alive in hell for eternity. Seems a bit harsh”
Mom:
“ That’s why god gave his life on the cross, so we couldn’t have to”
Lauren:
“Right! I get the idea.. I think if I just follow the basic ideas of the 10 commandments of being a good person, then I'll be okay. It’s the judgment that really turns me away from the idea. But, I respect the idea and I still am not firmly against it, I just want to see what else is out there”
Trey:
“I hope for your own good you start to believe in His power, or else you will wish you did”
Lauren-
“ I respect your point of view and I am happy you all feel so confident in what you believe. Maybe one day I will find that, but I think I have to find it myself, not be forced into it. I'm going to check out what we have for dessert, I'll be back!”
Reflection questions
- - Creative practices are huge! Making time for creativity on a daily basis has improved my perspective on creating so much. I now think of creativity as a skill you build over time, and not just something you are born with or not born with. I find myself the rest of the day, thinking of things creativity. Like now when I listen to music on my walks, I listen to how they made the music sound good or why they chose to add this element. Or I look at my outfits as a way to represent how I am feeling. Making time for a little bit of creativity everyday feels like it makes the rest of my day more creative.
- - I liked this assignment. It was fun thinking back on the interaction and trying to rewrite how it happened. Mainly, it made me realize how unfair the situation was and how my family really didn’t have anything to enlighten me on, but rather just focused on shame. It also helped me think back on the interaction and the behaviors exhibited. In the other characters, there were a lot of signs of annoyance and anger, instead of interest and compassion. I felt really guilty and wrong leaving the conversation when it happened, but looking back, I realized I handled a very uncomfortable situation well.
