When Jack Robins sang in the bar as a young boy, he began a cinematic revolution. ... His wearing of a blackface in this song was also a symbol or metaphor for being American. ... A powerful scene is when Mary enters the room and Jack is applying the black face paint, he is clearly distraught and conflicted by his Jewish culture and his career. ... In the final song of the play, "Mammy," blackface is used again as a symbol. ... So, as his father's ghost appears behind him in the synagogue it is a symbol of acceptance. ...

• Word Count: 1489
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School