A coming of age story usually explores the development of a protagonist’s mind and character as he passes from childhood through varied experiences--and usually through a personal crisis--into maturity and recognition of his identity and role in the world. The coming of age story captures the protagonist’s struggle and eventual triumph over the obstacles in his particular world.
This film is about having dreams, developing your own passions, and learning to be yourself. Billy faces many obstacles to living his dream, but he is supported by his mother’s advice to “always be yourself.” It is also a film about a parent’s love for his child and his willingness to sacrifice himself for his child’s future.
As you watch the film, you should try to keep the following questions in mind. When you are finished watching, jot down answers to the questions while the film is fresh in your mind. Be as specific as you can in your answers. Each night, you will have several questions to answer.
Questions:
First, jot down questions of fact and/or elements of the film you did not understand. All questions are to be typed.
1. The setting of the film is the working class setting of Durham, England. The specific condition of the film is a major strike by miners in the early eighties. Many details of the film suggest the working class world that Billy moves in. List as many details of the working class life you can remember.
2. What are the specific obstacles Billy faces in wanting to learn to dance? List them.
3. Why are Billy’s father and brother against his wanting to dance?
4. Despite Billy’s pleas, his father refuses to allow him to dance. What changes his mind? How is this moment of decision represented in the film?
5. Why does Billy’s father confront the ballet teacher?
6. The pivotal scene for Billy’s father is when he crosses the picket line to work so that he can have money for his son’s dancing. Why is the scene so emotionally charged for both the father and his elder son?
7. What is the significance of Billy’s friendship with Michael?
8. How does the film use Billy’s dancing to trace his emotional development? Think of specific instances, for example, when Billy practices pirouettes in front of his bathroom cabinet. Identify at least three moments from the film where Billy is dancing (or trying to dance) to use as trace moments. List them.
9. The film skips over several years to show Billy in the ballet company performing at Covent Garden. Why does the director include the final scene of Billy’s professional dance?
10. In a piece of at least 500 words (2 pages, typed), write about what struck you most in the film and why you think that particular element struck you.
You can explore conflicts in the film or themes or character or even the setting.
You should first write about what struck you. Then explore the connection between the film and your own life.
You need to do more than a couple of paragraphs. You need to establish a point and develop an exposition of that point.