The Humans

“Well, Brigid, I’m sixty-one—older people can still process information, we’re still able to—”

Throughout The Humans, Deirdre is insecure about her daughters’ changing perception of her. When Brigid explains that she and Richard do not want to disturb their upstairs neighbor, saying that she likely makes sounds because she is old, Deirdre is personally offended. As she ages, she worries that she is losing her connection with Brigid and Aimee and does not want to be seen in the same way as Brigid’s neighbor. This foreshadows the tension that rises between Deirdre and Brigid, introducing The Volatility of Familial Relationships.

“This isn’t Scranton, I don’t need an oversized recliner in every room.”

One of the more apparent divides that exists between Brigid and her parents is her desire to live in New York City, as she wants nothing to do with her hometown, Scranton. This simple comment, meant to explain that Brigid can live more sparingly in the city, comes across as an indictment of her parents’ home and their upbringing of her. Brigid’s comment reflects her opinion of Scranton and life away from the city, and though she may mean it as an explanation for her own actions, Erik and Deirdre take it personally.