Applying the materials in this module including the chart on page 291 and the clips from Raising Arizona, please identify and explain two factors that support a finding that Gayle and Evelle Snoats (the brothers who robbed the bank) are "professionals" and two factors that support a finding that they are "amateur."

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In analyzing the characters Gayle and Evelle Snoats from Raising Arizona, one can consider various elements that classify them as either "professionals" or "amateurs."

Factors Supporting the Finding that Gayle and Evelle are "Professionals":

  1. Planning and Execution: The Snoats brothers demonstrate a level of planning when they rob the bank. Their ability to execute a robbery, even if it is chaotic, reflects a certain level of competence associated with professional criminals. They appear to have coordinated their actions, suggesting they have some experience in planning criminal activities.

  2. Adaptability and Resourcefulness: After the robbery, the brothers show resourcefulness in dealing with unforeseen circumstances. Their ability to think on their feet and adapt to the changing situations, while not perfect, indicates a level of experience typical of professional criminals who are used to operating under pressure.

Factors Supporting the Finding that Gayle and Evelle are "Amateurs":

  1. Clumsiness and Lack of Finesse: The Robbery itself does not go smoothly; it is marked by clumsiness and a lack of refinement in their approach. Their actions reflect a lack of sophisticated planning or execution, which is more characteristic of amateurs who are unsteady in highly professional contexts.

  2. Poor Strategic Choices: Throughout the film, the brothers make questionable strategic choices during and after the robbery, such as underestimating law enforcement's response. Their inability to foresee the consequences of their actions and make strategic decisions further supports the notion that they do not possess the skill set typically attributed to seasoned criminals.

In conclusion, while Gayle and Evelle Snoats exhibit certain traits of professional criminals through planning and adaptability, elements of clumsiness and poor decision-making highlight their amateur status. This duality adds to their characterization in Raising Arizona, making them both amusing and relatable.

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