Key Quotations

Act 1

"I run it and run it, a tape over and over again. What if. What if. What if. All night. In my head. I can't turn it off."

• Chris reflects on his overwhelming guilt and the constant replaying of past actions in his mind.
• This quote uses repetition ("What if. What if. What if.") to emphasize Chris's mental anguish and inability to escape his thoughts. The metaphor of a "tape" running in his head suggests a relentless cycle of regret.
• Key themes: Guilt, mental anguish, regret.

"Once he started messing with that dope, I don't recognize the man."

• Cynthia discusses the transformation in her husband Brucie due to his drug use following his job loss.
• The quote uses stark contrast between past and present to highlight Brucie's drastic change. The phrase "don't recognize the man" underscores the loss of identity and stability.
• Key themes: Transformation, addiction, loss of identity.

"Nostalgia is a disease."

• Stan comments on the dangers of longing for the past and how it prevents moving forward.
• This metaphor portrays nostalgia as something harmful and debilitating, suggesting that clinging to the past can impede progress and adaptation.
• Key themes: Nostalgia, progress, adaptation.

"You could wake up tomorrow and all your jobs are in Mexico, whatever, it's this NAFTA bullshit—"

• Stan expresses his frustration and fears about job security due to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
• The quote uses colloquial language and frustration to convey the economic uncertainty and resentment felt by the working class.
• Key themes: Economic instability, globalization, resentment.

"I dunno. A couple minutes, and your whole life changes, that's it. It's gone."

• Chris reflects on how quickly life can change due to a single decision.
• The quote emphasizes the theme of sudden change and the fragility of life through simple, blunt language.
• Key themes: Change, fragility, consequences.

Act 2

"You wanna know what I see, Tracey? I see you moving up to Reading, buying a house, a car, doing all the things you always dreamed about."

• Brucie envisions a hopeful future for Tracey, despite their current struggles.
• The quote uses imagery of upward mobility and achieving dreams to contrast with their present hardships.
• Key themes: Hope, aspiration, contrast.

"We were up on that line, side by side, thinking it was gonna be forever. All we had to do was our time and we'd be fine."

• Cynthia reminisces stability and predictability of their jobs.
• This quote uses the imagery of "side by side" to convey solidarity and the expectation of a secure future, which contrasts with their current uncertainty.
• Key themes: Solidarity, job security, change.

"They don't even know our names, they don't give a shit about us."

• Tracey expresses her anger and feeling of being undervalued by the company's management.
• The use of strong language ("don't give a shit") and the focus on anonymity ("don't even know our names") highlight the dehumanization and neglect felt by workers.
• Key themes: Dehumanization, neglect, resentment.

"He was a good guy, you know? Always did right by me. And now, he's just gone."

• Jason mourns the loss of a friend who has passed away.
• This quote uses simple, direct language to convey the shock and sadness of losing someone suddenly.
• Key themes: Loss, mourning, friendship.

"There's apology in their eyes, but Chris and Jason are unable to conjure words just yet."

• This stage direction describes Chris and Jason's silent attempt at reconciliation.
• The phrase "apology in their eyes" uses visual imagery to express their remorse, while their inability to speak highlights the difficulty of seeking forgiveness.
• Key themes: Remorse, reconciliation, silence.

Act 3

"Whatcha gonna do about where you're at right now?"

• Evan challenges Chris and Jason to focus on their present situation rather than being consumed by past mistakes.
• The direct question encourages proactive thinking and action, emphasizing the importance of addressing current issues rather than dwelling on the past.
• Key themes: Present focus, proactive action, change.

"Most folks think it's the guilt or rage that destroys us in the end, but I know it's shame that eats us away until we disappear."

• Evan shares his insight on the destructive power of shame.
• The quote uses personification ("shame that eats us away") to depict shame as a consuming force, highlighting its profound impact on mental health.
• Key themes: Shame, destruction, mental health.

"What if. What if. What if. All night. In my head. I can't turn it off."

• Chris repeats his obsessive thoughts and regrets.
• The repetition and fragmented structure reflect Chris's relentless and intrusive thoughts, emphasizing his struggle with guilt and regret.
• Key themes: Obsession, guilt, mental struggle.

"Every day I think about what if I hadn't…You know…I run it and run it, a tape over and over again."

• Chris continues to reflect on his past decisions and their consequences.
• The metaphor of a "tape" running repeatedly highlights the inescapable nature of his regrets and the mental torment they cause.
• Key themes: Regret, mental torment, past decisions.

"I'm leaning into the wind, I'm fuckin' leaning […] What we did was unforgivable…"

• Chris describes his struggle for forgiveness and the weight of his actions.
• The imagery of "leaning into the wind" suggests resistance and effort, while the strong language conveys his intense feelings of remorse.
• Key themes: Forgiveness, struggle, remorse.

Act 4

"We all need someone to lean on sometimes. Ain't no shame in that."

• Stan offers comfort and understanding, emphasizing the importance of support.
• The phrase "lean on" symbolizes seeking help and support, challenging the stigma associated with vulnerability.
• Key themes: Support, vulnerability, community.

"You put in your time. But look here, we been talking, and we can keep talking—but whatcha gonna do about where you're at right now?"

• Evan encourages taking action in the present rather than being stuck in the past.
• The repeated emphasis on the present ("where you're at right now") highlights the need for immediate and practical steps towards change.
• Key themes: Present action, change, practicality.

"It's not a productive emotion. Most folks think it's the guilt or rage that destroys us in the end, but I know it's shame that eats us away until we disappear."

• Evan reiterates the destructive nature of shame.
• The metaphor of shame "eating us away" underscores its corrosive effect on the human spirit and mental health.
• Key themes: Shame, destruction, mental health.

"There's apology in their eyes, but Chris and Jason are unable to conjure words just yet."

• The stage direction captures the moment of silent reconciliation.
• The visual imagery of "apology in their eyes" reflects their deep remorse and the difficulty of verbalizing their feelings.
• Key themes: Remorse, reconciliation, silence.

"Do you know what it feels like, to say to the people you've worked with for years that they're not welcome anymore? I haven't slept in…over a week."

• Cynthia expresses her guilt and the emotional toll of her managerial role during the lockout.
• The rhetorical question and mention of sleeplessness highlight the personal cost of her decisions and the emotional burden she carries.
• Key themes: Guilt, emotional burden, leadership.

Act 5

"We built this town. My father and his father. It's in our blood."

• Tracey asserts her family's legacy and their deep connection to the town.
• The use of generational imagery ("father and his father") emphasizes the strong familial and historical ties to the community.
• Key themes: Legacy, heritage, community.

"You think I wanted this? You think I wanted any of this to happen?"

• Cynthia confronts the misconceptions about her role and intentions.
• The rhetorical questions express her frustration and the unintended consequences of her actions.
• Key themes: Misunderstanding, frustration, unintended consequences.

"A man's gotta work. A man's gotta provide."

• Brucie highlights the societal expectations placed on men to be providers.
• The repetition emphasizes the pressure and traditional gender roles that define masculinity.
• Key themes: Gender roles, societal expectations, masculinity.