Rebel without a Cause A review using Erikson s Psychosocial Theory
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Rebel without a Cause depicts the story of three teenagers, each coming from somewhat atypical, dysfunctional families. Jim's mother is the epitomy of the typical 1950's stay-at-home mom with a twist, that is, she is overly demanding and controlling of Jim's father. Jim's father is spineless and does not have a say in anything, which leaves Jim feeling afraid of being a "chicken" like he perceives his father to be. Judy, on the other hand, has a father who is physically repulsed by the fact that his "little girl" is not so little anymore and smacks her simply because she kisses him on the cheek. Plato is a lonely teen whose parents are always away and has been raised by the maid.
These teens are looking for something they cannot find in their parents. Jim is looking for a father who can stand up for himself, needing this, he finds himself becoming involved in risky activities such as knife fights and chicken run races on cliffs. It is as if somehow by behaving this way, Jim can make his father come out and stand up for himself through standing up for Jim. Judy is craving the love of a father figure, because of this she finds herself seeking attention from teenage boys. Plato seeks both a mother and father figure in his life, he finds this temporarily in Jim and Judy...