Mask

The film explores themes of bravery, optimism, and love. Rocky Dennis, a teenager with Lionitis, a facial deformity, demonstrates bravery by continuing his schooling and graduating among the top students in his school. Hope is personified by Rusty Dennis, Rocky’s mother, who places all of her hope in Rocky and feels that he has a chance to enjoy a normal adolescent life.

Rusty’s parenting style is one of love, trust, and fearlessness. She is a brave parent as from when she was even able to threaten the school’s principle of suing him using her lawyer (Gregg, 1985). She is loving, since she stops drinking and using drugs when she was asked to stop by Rusty.

Question 3

On Rocky’s psychological disorder according to Freudian theory, there was conflict with the intelligence of Rocky and he had no ego at all. It made his personality quite interesting, as he became easy for the doctors to work with and he was able to ask his mom to stop taking drugs.

Question 4

In the book, there was extreme friendship between Rocky’s mom and the bike riders. They were able to avail themselves during the admission of Rocky (Gregg, 1985). Rusty even lied to the principle that one of the bikers was a lawyer in case he did not accept Rocky’s admission.

Question 5

I learnt the importance of self-esteem. It is one of the factors needed for survival of any individual. The self-esteem will help gain more chances and favor with helpful people in the community.

Question 6

The film changed my opinion about disability. I tend to realize better that impairment is not inability. One may be disabled but may be more helpful than any normal person. Even the disabled deserve love as Rocky who finally fell in love with a blind girl.

Reference

Gregg, V.R. (1995). Using feature films to promote active learning in the college classroom. In Teaching of psychology: Ideas and innovations. Proceedings of the Annual Conference on Undergraduate Teaching of Psychology, Ellenville, NY, March 22-24, 1995. Retrieved from http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED389367.pdf