John's Pleasantville: Radical Change And Revolution

The plot of Pleasantville is expressed through the very essence of radical change and revolution. This “coming of age” is explicitly demonstrated throughout the duration of both stories through four particular individuals seeking change for everybody including themselves. The figures of cause and effect, change, and self-expression are very important in shaping the plot of revolution. David‘s fascination with Pleasantville is rooted in the simplicity and happiness that he longs for in real life. However, when David and Jen are zapped back in time to the show, they realize that they are in a world that literally thrives through nothing; and is in desperate need of change. Jen realizes how “easy” these people are and proceeds to create a sexual revolution. Due to this new discovery of themselves, people are now realizing their potential to be happy and be different, thus turning people into …show more content…
They had discovered literature, which created an art/literary revolution, thus turning more and more people colored because they had discovered their true passions. The entire town of Pleasantville was changing for the better, while some believed that an unchanging world was better. The Chamber of Commerce attempted to control this outbreak of change by attempting to rule with an iron fist.
To combat the progressive threat to what was left of their scripted pleasant lives, the Chamber of Commerce responded by limiting music, art, burning books, and prejudice. This is a definite allusion to the never-ending battle between progressivism and conservatism very much like the real world. In response to such actions taken by the progressive side of the spectrum, signs were put up that colored people were not permitted into a particular establishment. David and Bill the soda shop owner took it upon themselves to actively rebel in the pursuit of happiness and freedom for the people, through expression of