The Effects of Oppressive Authority

The themes of early American literature and John Hughes' Weird Science are unexpectedly similar. The presence of oppressive authority figures, action in the face of mounting frustration, and a coming of age process draws a bond between the works. In the face of oppression, regardless of the time period, action is commonly taken to better a situation, and as a result of this action there is a natural maturation process that causes effective change. Literary works by John Winthrop, J. Hector St. John de Crevecoeur, Jonathan Edwards, and Benjamin Franklin discuss how oppressive authority restricts freedom. Furthermore, oppressive authority figures are evident in Weird Science. Wyatt’s older brother, Chet, strictly punishes him for any minor lapses in judgement. Wyatt and Gary’s parents also set strict rules for the boys, thus resulting in relatively uneventful upbringings. As a consequence, when faced with such oppression, mounting frustration often leads to action. As frustration escalates, action is commonly taken to better a situation. Action taken to better a situation, as in the case of Winthrop, Crevecoeur, Edwards, Franklin, and Wyatt and Gary, results in a coming of age that leads to effective change. Reacting to oppression and injustice exhibits audacity. Showing such courage often results in maturation. Winthrop and Crevecoeur display extreme bravery by leaving their monarchical nations for the freedom of America. Jonathan Edwards does not depict individual maturity in “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” but rather calls upon the non-Christian youth to turn to God and escape His wrath. Edwards views the potential spiritual conversion as a coming of age more critical than any other form of development. Moreover, the decision to leave Boston drastically matured Benjamin Franklin. In Weird Science, Lisa, Wyatt and Gary’s creation in response to their mounting frustration and oppressive parents, teaches the teenagers valuable life lessons. Oppression commonly results in action, which leads to the acquisition of indispensable values. This theme draws a connection between early American writings and John Hughes’ Weird Science, but also instills rewarding values into its audience.