Dramarama

Sarah Pattisall

August 23, 2010

English 9 Honors

Dramarama by E. Lockhart

This book’s social issues involve racial issues, jealousy, low self-esteem, and teenage drinking.

1.        Sarah Paulson, otherwise known as Sayde, is a determined, talented, and stubborn teenager. 

2.       Sayde’s life gets turned upside down when she auditions for Wildewood Academy, a summer institute for the performing arts.  Not only does Sayde get accepted, but she meets her best friend Demi and learns important life lessons.  At first Wildewood seems like a dream come true; however, the dream doesn’t last.  Sayde learns how challenging and ruthless the theater profession can be when lectured by legendary director Jacob Morales and landing a spot in the classic play Midsummer Night’s Dream, a play for the kids with no talent according to Wildewood students.  Sayde suffered with the director of Midsummer Night’s Dream pour judgment while coping with a strained relationship with Demi.  One night Sayde and Demi were caught by the counselor up on the roof of the boy’s dorm with alcohol.  They had just finished their most major argument yet; as a result of, Demi’s decision to attend Wildewood year-round and leave Sayde back in their dreary hometown of Ohio.  He had been the one to buy the alcohol and illegally drink underage; consequently, he would be kicked out of Wildewood forever if the counselor discovered this.  Sayde lied to the counselor by saying she bought the alcohol, and Demi had no idea it was up there.  She was sent back home due to her loyalty to Demi. 

3.       Sayde’s jealousy made her untrusted by one of her closest friends Natalie when she discovers Sayde is talking about her behind her back.  Her stubborn attitude made her an immediate target for the director’s criticism.  The low self-confidence Sayde had led her into the jealousy which was one of her biggest issues.  E. Lockhart took a basic story of a summer camp and made it in to a wild adventure between two best friends that had a common passion of theater which bonded them together.  E. Lockhart is trying to say life has its ups and its downs, its struggles, and its rewards but all in all a friend will be there to catch you if you fall.

4.       The author was able to really show Sayde’s emotions by using experiences we’ve all been through such as: feeling worthless, not having confidence, fighting with your friends, and so many more instances that can easily be applied to life.  When Sayde learned about the minor rolls she had obtained she was devastated and it took her a while to regain confidence.  The first fight she had with Demi made her livid but they were able to forgive each other because of love.  Finally when Sayde was kicked out of Wildewood all she felt was compassion towards her best friend because she knew she had done the right thing.