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Written by Stanley Warhol
Social Class
The setting of the film is a vacation destination for rich people therefore social classes play a major role in the narrative. Most of the plot delves into the class prejudice that takes place at Kellerman’s upscale resort. Being frequented and occupied primarily by rich families on vacation, the class difference is shown between the vacationers and the working class staff. Moreover, favoritism is seen in the treatment of the staff in that those with Ivy League education are treated better than the blue-collar workers. Baby witnesses the belittling treatment of the staff for instance how Max handles the entertainment staff. Furthermore, the guests are also seen harboring the same prejudice case in point the hatred Jake has for Johnny without any solid reason or one that is actually true. Johnny is seen as having low self-worth in the presence of the affluent guests, even expressing that he knows his place. In that, the class prejudice in the resort has molded him into a self-pitying individual. Thus, illustrating how the rift between social classes impacts the working class employed in the resort.
Chemistry / Love
The main theme in the film is obviously love that builds between the main characters due to the chemistry they have while dancing. When Baby offers to stand in for Penny, she instantly has a connection with Johnny while sharing their first dance. The natural chemistry they have morphs into something more as they build this trust made stronger by their dancing. Considering dancing is an activity that requires compatibility and chemistry, Baby and Johnny do not have a hard time achieving this. They both make each other a better person of which Johnny confesses, admitting that Baby makes him better in terms of self-confidence and kindness.
Doing the Right Thing
Moral values play a major role in distinguishing the nature of characters in the narrative. Baby is clearly the one with the stronger moral compass taking to account she takes notice of any unfairness. After Robbie ignores his role in Penny’s pregnancy, Baby takes the helm to aid her by borrowing money from Jake to help her. Moreover, she later seeks the help of her father again to stabilize Penny after the abortion procedure she undergoes. Baby is seen throughout going out of her way to help others, including Johnny who is apparently the scapegoat of any wrongdoing at the resort. By the end, she teaches his father Jake to be more kind and open-minded towards doing the right thing despite his reservations.
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Dirty Dancing Questions and Answers
The Question and Answer section for Dirty Dancing is a great
resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.
Dirty Dancing study guide contains a biography of director Emile Ardolino, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.
Dirty Dancing essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Dirty Dancing, directed by Emile Ardolino.
Social Class
The setting of the film is a vacation destination for rich people therefore social classes play a major role in the narrative. Most of the plot delves into the class prejudice that takes place at Kellerman’s upscale resort. Being frequented and occupied primarily by rich families on vacation, the class difference is shown between the vacationers and the working class staff. Moreover, favoritism is seen in the treatment of the staff in that those with Ivy League education are treated better than the blue-collar workers. Baby witnesses the belittling treatment of the staff for instance how Max handles the entertainment staff. Furthermore, the guests are also seen harboring the same prejudice case in point the hatred Jake has for Johnny without any solid reason or one that is actually true. Johnny is seen as having low self-worth in the presence of the affluent guests, even expressing that he knows his place. In that, the class prejudice in the resort has molded him into a self-pitying individual. Thus, illustrating how the rift between social classes impacts the working class employed in the resort.