HUM 3085: Television and Popular Culture
Dr. Perdigao
Spring 2014
Response #1
DUE: Monday, January 13th
in hard copy and to www.turnitin.com
Choose one of the following questions and construct a 1-2 page (250-500 word) typed
response. It is not a formal essay but it should demonstrate your knowledge of the
works as well as their historical and cultural contexts.
1. Pleasantville depicts an escapist fantasy where David is able to enter the world
of his favorite television series. The experiences of David and his twin sister
Jennifer reveal how much American culture has changed from 1958 to the turn
of the twenty-first century. Construct an argument about how Pleasantville
depicts 1950s culture, 1950s television, from the vantage point of the twentyfirst century. What is the meaning of this (albeit fictional) television series to
a contemporary audience (whether it be David, Jennifer, or us, the viewers of
the film)?
2. David’s and Jennifer’s presence and actions alter Pleasantville. These changes
raise questions about the values that make the town (as well as the series)
“great.” How does director Gary Ross represent the divide between tradition
and modernization? What is gained and/or lost in modernization?
3. How does Pleasantville depict the relationship between television and the
viewer? Is television the place for pure escapism or does it alter the viewer’s
reality as well? How does director Gary Ross depict this complicated
relationship, particularly in the film’s resolution?