For today’s prompt, I want you to reflect on The Kentucky Cycle‘s first part. What are some of the key themes explored in the text so far? Why are they significant?

 

The first part of The Kentucky Cycle was a bit shocking for me, especially the murders of Michael and Rebecca’s father and the banishing of Star.  I was most shock at the development of Patrick. He hated his father so much, yet at this point in the play, he is just like his father. He killed him out of anger, which is understandable, but when he made a deal with Rebecca’s father, he became selfish and killed him to keep his land. His mother was forced to leave and he threatened to kill her if he ever found her on his land again.  I am also surprised as the scenes progress at such incredible speed (as in the age progression).  It confused me to keep up with all the new characters who kept appearing and keeping them straight with who belongs where in the story as a whole. I enjoyed this reading more than the others we have done.