Some People By Danny Hoch Summary

Analytical Research Paper

Some People is a book, which combines a series of performances by Danny Hoch. Hoch takes on the role of numerous characters in different situations. The characters vary in gender and ethnicity, while the performances consist of singing, rapping, narrating and acting. There are 10 performances presented in Some People, which can be evaluated for its content. Danny Hoch’s performances attempt to entice both the emotion and the intellect. The book begins with the Hoch playing the role of the Caribbean tiger, a Jamaican DJ, who collects calls and replies to them live on radio. This act does a fairly good job of entertaining the audience, however, it is also convenient for Hoch, as it stirs up the audience members’
As a writer, Hoch incorporates slang and curses into his dialogue pieces. Nevertheless, such dialogue pieces are tactfully placed in between the characters, which have vastly different dialogue. In the case of Flex, numerous swear words are employed. “This nigga tryin to be slick, fuckin’ immigrant-ass motherfucker.” (Hoch, 136) Prior to this is Doris, who uses words such as “sweetheart,” and “honey” (Hoch, 126). After this performance is Cesar, who does not use any swear words, but is rather sentimental throughout the performance. This pattern is repeated again, when Floe, a wannabe rapper, is another character employed to use slang, while Kazmierczack barely speaks English and Bill, speaks perfect English. In each of these scenarios, it can be observed that Hoch wants deliberately wants to create variation from one character to another. If a character swears profoundly, it is most likely that the next one will not. The rationale behind this is to individualize the characters. Each character receives a greater attention from the audience when it is distinctive from another. Hence, the spectators too will be able to recall the character and its role. Swear words are also given more emphasis in this manner. During the play, curses are not diluted to the level of normal language. Since they are used in between different characters, the audiences pay greater attention to swear
As a writer, Hoch scripts his work into a dialogue for the specific purpose of presenting it orally. Each line sounds like it could have been improvised. “I want to welcome all de people to de number one night spot.” Meanwhile, certain oral pieces link to Hoch’s writing, especially performances which apply narrative situations. When Hoch is narrating a story aloud, as in the case of his character, Cesar, elements of writing can be seen through Cesar’s dialogue. “So my son, he always have a good heart. He never say bad words.” (Hoch 140). Cesar fond memory of his son brings to mind a story said aloud and gives focus to Hoch as a writer. In each case, writing and performing co-exist. Writing, gives Hoch a clear, concise view of what he is attempting to convey on stage. This suggests that everything is pre-planned, from the order of the performance to the way each character is expressed. Hoch’s writing suggests that he first captures the oral aspects of his characters mentally and then puts it down to words as a script. In the case of narration, however, it could the dialogue and the tone, which is derived from the script. As a performer, it is difficult to discern whether Hoch is performing through memory or improvising. The one hint that we receive is that Hoch does not leave pauses or hesitate during his lines. He also does not sway away from his topic at any pint, but rather develops them and delves