Splendor in the Grass

Adolescence is often referred to as the crucible of change, primarily because of the enormous changes endured during a significant process of both physical and emotional maturation. From sexuality and first love to conflict with parental authority and peer pressure, adolescence is a time of change that places a great deal of psychological pressure on adolescents. In Elia Kazan's film version of William Inge's Splendor in the Grass, the experiences of Deanie and Bud significantly illustrate these changes and pressures.

Both Deanie and Bud genuinely love each other. As a genuine and first love for each, their relationship is heightened by the raw emotions and passions of adolescence. One of the biggest obstacles in their relationship stems from parental authority. Bud's upper-class wealthy father is opposed to his relationship with Deanie, because, as he tells Bud, "�if anything was to happen, you'd have to marry her!...You realize that, don't ya? You get a girl in trouble, boy, and you gotta take the consequences" (Kazan). Deanie's mother is sexually repressed and Puritanical about sexual mores and manners. She continually lectures Deanie about keeping her virginity in tact. When Deanie innocently shares her feelings for Bud with her mother, she asks if there is anything wrong with having such feelings about a boy. Her mother replies, "No nice girl does" (Kazan).

The genuine love and passion Deanie and Bud share creates enormou

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