The story of Beetlejuice is a gothic, abnormally riveting tale that includes a number of bizarre characters. However, one of the most important characters in the story, which acts as the driving force for the storyline, is possibly the most underestimated. Lydia Deetz is a significant catalyst in the progression and movement within Beetlejuice because of her courage and unorthodox nature.
Within the story of Beetlejuice lies a structural pattern called a romance narrative circle, albeit an unorthodox example of one. A romance narrative circle consists of several stages such as: childhood, threshold, initiation, dedication, underworld, harrowing of hell, temptation, and recognition. Beetlejuice commences with the childhood stage as a look into the happy lives of newlywed couple Barbara and Adam Maitland. This quickly transitions into their sad demise where …show more content…
This drives Barbara and Adam to find a way to scare off the unwanted family, despite their growing affection towards Lydia. This predicament serves as an entrance for Betelgeuse, the “bio-exorcist”. A villainous hero, Betelgeuse is under a curse of his own and is able to help the Maitlands in their goal of removing the Deetzes. However, his true goal is to be freed completely and returned to the living world. To do this, Betelgeuse must find a living bride. Betelgeuse takes an interest in the young Lydia during one of his escapades, and the Maitlands find themselves trapped during the oddest of weddings. Lydia, who has become attached to the Maitlands, fights for their safety and banishes Betelgeuse in the process. She also convinces her parents to see the ghosts as innocent beings during this event, and this allows the two groups to live peacefully together inside their home. Suddenly, both Lydia and the Maitlands have something to “live” for, and are finally able to focus their energy on the goal of “living” a happy
Within the story of Beetlejuice lies a structural pattern called a romance narrative circle, albeit an unorthodox example of one. A romance narrative circle consists of several stages such as: childhood, threshold, initiation, dedication, underworld, harrowing of hell, temptation, and recognition. Beetlejuice commences with the childhood stage as a look into the happy lives of newlywed couple Barbara and Adam Maitland. This quickly transitions into their sad demise where …show more content…
This drives Barbara and Adam to find a way to scare off the unwanted family, despite their growing affection towards Lydia. This predicament serves as an entrance for Betelgeuse, the “bio-exorcist”. A villainous hero, Betelgeuse is under a curse of his own and is able to help the Maitlands in their goal of removing the Deetzes. However, his true goal is to be freed completely and returned to the living world. To do this, Betelgeuse must find a living bride. Betelgeuse takes an interest in the young Lydia during one of his escapades, and the Maitlands find themselves trapped during the oddest of weddings. Lydia, who has become attached to the Maitlands, fights for their safety and banishes Betelgeuse in the process. She also convinces her parents to see the ghosts as innocent beings during this event, and this allows the two groups to live peacefully together inside their home. Suddenly, both Lydia and the Maitlands have something to “live” for, and are finally able to focus their energy on the goal of “living” a happy