The decision to leave Mama and Rebecca with unresolved differences at the end of the play serves several important purposes.
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Realism: In real life, not all conflicts reach a resolution. By allowing Mama and Rebecca to walk away with unresolved issues, the playwright reflects the complexity of familial relationships and the fact that people often carry their struggles without closure.
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Character Development: The unresolved differences can highlight the distinct perspectives and values of both characters. This allows the audience to understand their motivations and emotions, fostering a deeper connection to their individual journeys and growth.
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Themes of Identity and Generational Conflict: The differences between Mama and Rebecca often represent broader themes of cultural identity, generational conflict, and the struggles of adaptation. Leaving their conflicts unresolved emphasizes the ongoing nature of these themes, suggesting that such issues may persist beyond the play’s conclusion.
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Inviting Reflection: An ambiguous ending encourages the audience to engage in reflection and discussion about the dynamics between the two characters, potentially fostering empathy for their situations and sparking dialogue about similar real-life issues.
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Setting Up Sequel Potential: If the playwright intends to explore these characters further in future works, leaving them in a state of tension could be a strategic choice to maintain interest and provide a narrative thread to develop later.
Overall, the unresolved differences serve to deepen the emotional impact of the play and provoke thought about the relationships it portrays.