I And You By Lauren Gunderson Analysis

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“This Isn’t Real.”
Lauren Gunderson’s I and You takes place in the seemingly trivial setting of a teenage bedroom; however, upon further speculation the simplicity of a bedroom transforms into a profound symbol of unity. I and You, is a story of two people, Anthony and Caroline, who need each other on many levels, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Initially, Anthony needs Caroline to help him with his school project, and Caroline needs Anthony to leave. As the play progresses their needs change, from selfish needs to selfless needs, and after a series of heated arguments and vulnerable conversations, it’s revealed that Caroline is under anesthesia and Anthony died earlier that day. Caroline is having a liver transplant, and Anthony is her donor. Everything that happens over the course of the play is merely a representation of their physical connection as they become one person. As I and You become I. Caroline’s bedroom represents her body; …show more content…

Anthony is not there, her house is not there, and as the the walls vanish from her room, she leaves the room of her mind and body, and enters the physical world. Caroline is found alone, and Anthony exists just as he enters, reciting Whitman, “You will hardly know who I am or what I mean, but I shall be good health to you nevertheless, and filter and fibre your blood.” He will “filter and fibre” her blood--just as a liver does.
Caroline’s room carries the beautiful union of Anthony and her, and symbolizes her mind and body, where the union takes place. Caroline’s room carries a successful liver transplant, ending in the harmony of two bodies. Caroline’s room carries her emotions, ranging from abhorrence to adoration. Caroline’s room carries Anthony, just as her carries his liver.
I and You is a story of two people who need each other to live on. Anthony lives on in Caroline’s body--her room--while Caroline lives on, with love in her

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