THR 201 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Safe Deposit Box
25 May 2018
School
Department
Course
Professor
Sarah Day
1) Point of Attack
The Hubbard family is extremely greedy and out for the kill when it comes to each other. The
show begins with the whole family generally financially stable, but have a deep want for more
money. The three siblings, Regina, Oscar, and Ben, constantly bicker and fight over every
situation, especially when it relates to who earns the most money, therefor has the most power.
2) Primary Event
William Marshall meets with the Hubbard family for dinner to discuss business with their cotton
fields. Mr. Marshall proposes a deal to in hope of industrializing the harvesting process in their
small town in Alabama.
3) Inciting Action
Horace hadn’t been responsive to any letters about joining in business with Mr. Marshall. When
he returns home with Alexandra, and asked about giving his share, he politely declines and
refuses to give his part of the share into Oscar and Ben’s idea.
4) Obstacles, Complications and Conflicts
Each of the characters have their own obstacles they must overcome to get what they want.
To get her part of the money and fulfill her dream to be a millionaire, Regina knew that the only
way Horace would come home is if she convinced Alexandra to pick him up. When he arrives,
they fight and she eventually admits to only marrying Horace for his money. She lived her whole
life wanting more and was angry because Horace was always standing in the way of her
happiness.
The Hubbard family was faced with the problem of needing money for the deal with Mr.
Marshall, because Horace did not want to be a part of it. After Oscar and Ben set out a plan and
steal Horace’s railroad bonds, they later come to realize that Horace has known for a few days
since they stole the money and become anxious because they do not know what he will do.
Horace deals with the complications of his sickness. He wants to rewrite his will, so most of his
money goes to Alexandra, but has a heart attack before he can legally get someone to rewrite it.
Throughout the entirety of the play, Birdie is dealt with the obstacle of both an abusive husband
and her alcoholism. She used to live a magically life in town when she was younger, but it has
all gone downhill. All she wants is to make the town the way it was before, but her family will not
allow this to happen.
Alexandra is dealing with the fact that no one cares about her papa besides her. Hardly anyone,
besides her aunt Birdie, cares about her feelings or her future, but by the end of the play she
finally overcomes her obstacles and stands up for herself.
5) Crisis
Oscar and Ben both overhear Leo, who isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed, explaining the
process of Horace’s safe deposit box. They set out a plan and convince Leo to steal Horace’s
railroad bonds to help pay for their side of the bargain with Mr. Marshall.
6) Climax
While having a heated conversation with Regina, Horace begins to walk up the stairs. As he is
doing this, he calls for some sort of help because he needs his medicine. Regina acts as if
Document Summary
The hubbard family is extremely greedy and out for the kill when it comes to each other. The show begins with the whole family generally financially stable, but have a deep want for more money. The three siblings, regina, oscar, and ben, constantly bicker and fight over every situation, especially when it relates to who earns the most money, therefor has the most power: primary event. William marshall meets with the hubbard family for dinner to discuss business with their cotton fields. Mr. marshall proposes a deal to in hope of industrializing the harvesting process in their small town in alabama. Horace hadn"t been responsive to any letters about joining in business with mr. marshall. When he returns home with alexandra, and asked about giving his share, he politely declines and refuses to give his part of the share into oscar and ben"s idea: obstacles, complications and conflicts.
