"The Simpsons Christmas Special"

ANALYSIS INFORMATION:

Comments:

"Simpsons creator and resident evil genius Matt Groening has constructed a sort of cartoon Trojan horse, where his characters are allowed to get away with absolute murder simply because they're not real--and, in the process, they've become the most realistic family on TV" (Entertainment Weekly 27).

This Simpsons' episode is an example of a complete story told in a minimal amount of time--approximately 30 minutes.

Brief Synopsis:

In the midst of the Yuletide season, Homer doesn't receive his annual bonus and the Simpsons' Christmas savings are spent on removing Bart's tattoo. Homer is determined to still make it the best holiday ever, and in doing so, learns the true meaning of Christmas.

Objective Character Mini-Synopsis:

The frenetic music for the opening credits sets the fast forward pace for the audience's introduction to the characters and their hometown of Springfield. We join Bart in his fourth-grade classroom as he finishes up his after school punishment. Each week he is writing a new promise on the chalkboard. Lines such as "I will not draw naked ladies," "I will not instigate a revolution," and "I did not see Elvis," imply he is a perpetual and severe discipline case. Cut to Homer Simpson, the family patriarch. He is negligently tossing aside radioactive waste as the whistle blows, signaling the end of another workday. Mom Marge and baby Maggie are in the supermarket checkout stand while at band practice Lisa bursts into a sax solo which results in her early dismissal. Town landmarks such as Barney's Bowlarama and the Springfield Mall flash by as the family members race home, ultimately converging on the sofa in front of the TV. The Simpsons' world is closely akin to its' audiences--populated with in-laws (Selma and Patty), out-laws (the government), stingy bosses (Mr. Burns), jovial buddies (Barney), Christian neighbors (Flanders), and sympathetic bartenders (Moe). These characters serve to either create conflict within the Simpson clan, or just provide commentary on the stories' activities.

THE OBJECTIVE CHARACTERS:

Name: Homer Simpson
Gender: Male
Description:
Dense, blundering, and concerned with instant gratification. Devoted family man. His birthday gifts to his wife have been a tackle box, Connie Chung calendar, and a bowling ball with his name engraved on it.
Role: Father
Characteristics:

Motivation: Consider; Pursuit; Feeling;
Methodology: Potentiality; Reaction; Protection;
Evaluation: Effect;
Purpose: Knowledge; Actuality; Aware;

Name: Bart Simpson
Gender: Male
Description:
Bart is an extremely bright underachiever. One of his rules to live by is "Commit the following sentences to memory; you'll be surprised at how often they will come in handy: I didn't do it. Nobody saw me do it! They can't prove anything!" (Zehme 40-42)
Role: Son
Characteristics:

Motivation: Help;
Methodology: Certainty; Induction; Proaction;
Purpose: Desire;

Name: "Santa's Little Helper"
Gender: Male
Description: Affectionate; not too swift at the dog track.
Role: Christmas Gift
Characteristics:

Motivation: Hinder;

Name: Barney
Gender: Male
Description: Affable
Role: Buddy
Characteristics:

Motivation: Temptation;
Methodology: Deduction;
Purpose: Order; Inertia;

Name: Flanders
Gender: Male
Description: Flanders serves the purpose of pointing out all that Homer is not.
Role: Next door neighbor
Characteristics:

Purpose: Ability;

Name: Grandpa Simpson
Gender: Male
Description:
Slightly senile
Role: Grandfather
Characteristics:

Motivation: Uncontrolled;

Name: Lisa Simpson
Gender: Female
Description:
Lisa, an intellectual eight year old maintains "I'm not precocious, precocious is the word that adults chauvinistically use to diminish the fact that you're reasonably intelligent!" (Zehme 40-42)
Role: Daughter
Characteristics:

Motivation: Conscience;
Purpose: Equity; Projection;

Name: Maggie Simpson
Gender: Female
Description:
Baby Maggie permanently sucks on a pacifier. When asked to choose between her two siblings, she puts her arms around her television set.
Role: Baby
Characteristics:

Name: Marge Simpson
Gender: Female
Description: Marge's hair is a bright blue monumental tribute to the beehive. Her secret pork-tenderizing tip, "the extra ingredient is care" (Zehme 40-42).
Role: Mother
Characteristics:

Motivation: Faith; Support;
Evaluation: Accurate;

Name: Moe
Gender: Male
Description: Sympathetic
Role: Bartender
Characteristics:

Motivation: Logic;

Name: Mr. Burns
Gender: Male
Description: Contemporary version of Scrooge
Role: Homer's Boss
Characteristics:

Motivation: Reconsider; Avoidance; Control;
Evaluation: Cause;
Purpose: Self Aware;

Name: Selma & Patty
Gender: Female
Description: Bitter women; Selma and Patty growl their lines while smoking cigarettes between clenched teeth.
Role: Marge's sisters
Characteristics:

Motivation: Disbelief; Oppose;
Evaluation: Non-Accurate;
Purpose: Inequity; Speculation;

AUDIENCE AND STORY DYNAMICS APPRECIATIONS:

Nature as it relates to Actual Dilemma:

The story is an actual dilemma because Homer changes when he realizes the problem resides within himself--not in his environment.

Essence as it relates to Negative Feel:

The focus of the story is on trying to avoid the problem. For example, Mr. Burns' denial of his employees' Christmas bonus is problematic for Homer, yet when Marge asks about it, he is evasive:

Tendency as it relates to Willing:

Homer's first approach to solving a problem is to take action, and taking the initiative is necessary to make his family's Christmas "the best one yet."

Reach as it relates to Male:

Men will empathize with the pressure Homer puts himself under when he applies linear logic to a problem that must be resolved by a certain time.

Resolve as it relates to Change:

Homer believes the only way to make his family happy on Christmas is to provide packages under the tree. When he brings home "Santa's Little Helper," he discovers it's the love his family shares that is important.

Approach as it relates to Do-er:

Homer looks for a physical solution to his problems. It is really his only option, as his mental capabilities are limited, and he is emotionally immature.

Direction as it relates to Stop:

Homer needs to stop fumbling with the truth and bumbling with his efforts to cover up his actions.

Mental Sex as it relates to Male:

Homer uses the male problem solving techniques of cause and effect. As an example, he thinks by taking a part-time job, he will earn enough money to buy gifts. He is quite dismayed later to discover the big picture--gross pay minus many deductions equals minimal net pay.

Outcome as it relates to Success:

Christmas is saved as the Simpson family receives the only gift it truly needs, the love for each other and "Santa's Little Helper," their new puppy:

Judgment as it relates to Good:

Homer resolves his personal angst when he realizes family is all that matters, and his family cares more about him than gifts under the tree.

Work as it relates to Action:

Bart gets a tattoo, and it can only be removed if the procedure is paid for up front. Marge has no choice but to use the Christmas savings to pay for it. Mr. Burns denies his employees their annual Christmas bonus, compelling Homer to decide if he should come clean with his family, or find another way to raise the money.

Limit as it relates to Timelock:

Homer only has until Christmas Eve to make it the best Christmas ever.

THE OBJECTIVE STORY THROUGHLINE:

Throughline Synopsis:

It's Christmas time and the Simpson clan is especially looking forward to opening gifts. Bart's idea of a Christmas present for his mother (and for himself) is a tattoo. Marge is less than pleased, particularly when all of the family Christmas savings must be used to pay for its removal. Homer learns from his boss that he, along with the other "semi-skilled workers," will not be receiving their usual Christmas bonus. Once he realizes there is no money at all for gifts, he panics. He doesn't tell his family the truth of the situation, and wallows in despair and Duff beer. Then following his pal Barney's example, Homer sets about getting himself hired as a part-time Santa to earn the cash. Marge's sisters are in town to celebrate the holiday with the Simpsons. They put additional pressure on the situation, making disparaging remarks about Homer and sniffing at the lack of Christmas trimmings. Bart inadvertently discovers what his father is up to, and agrees to help him buy gifts with his earnings. Unfortunately, his net pay is minimal after taxes. Homer is persuaded to bet the money at the dog races. Barney tells him about a "sure thing" but when Homer hears of last minute replacement "Santa's Little Helper" he's certain it's kismet and, against Bart's advice, places the bet. The mutt comes in last. All seems lost as Homer and Bart despondently search the empty race track parking lot for a winning ticket. The owner of "Santa's Little Helper," tired of him losing races, shoos him away--right into the arms of Homer. Bart begs to keep him, Homer consents, and the family is overjoyed.

Backstory:

Every Christmas season prior to this one, Homer has received a Christmas bonus. The family has come to rely on this and their own savings to purchase their Christmas gifts.

Domain as it relates to Universe:

The predicament the Simpsons find themselves in is a Christmas without gifts. Homer's Christmas bonus is denied, and the family Christmas savings are used to remove Bart's tattoo. Marge's sisters put pressure on the situation, contemptuous of Homer and highly skeptical that he can bring his family Christmas joy:

Concern as it relates to The Present:

Everyone is concerned with the Christmas season: The school children's Christmas pageant; Christmas shopping; Christmas trees; Santa; and, most of all, Christmas presents. As Marge remarks in the Simpsons' Christmas card, "The magic of the season has touched us all."

Range as it relates to Attraction:

The thematic issue of "attraction" is illustrated with instances of Christmas trimmings. Christmas lights in particular hold a fascination for the children. Homer attempts to illuminate the house, "Okay kids, prepared to be dazzled," but it doesn't quite work--as opposed to next door neighbor Flanders whose light show entrances the Simpson children, leaving Homer to bitterly comment, "It's too bright."

Counterpoint as it relates to Repulsion:

Repulsion is embodied in Marge's two sister's, Selma and Patty, who the family only see on special occasions, like Christmas. There is an obvious dislike between Homer and the sister-in-laws, and the Simpson children suffer their aunts' embraces.

Thematic Conflict as it relates to Attraction vs. Repulsion:

Christmas with all of its attractions and repellents is explored in the school pageant: Lisa's classmate plays the part of a Japanese priest who acts like Santa but has eyes in the back of his head "So children better behave when I'm nearby."

Problem as it relates to Proaction:

The objective characters initiating action to achieve their goals is the source of the story's problems. For example, Bart having his arm tattooed, and his mother's insistence that it be removed is how the Christmas savings are spent; Mr. Burns executes the directive to maintain a certain work level but "for you semi-skilled workers, there will be no Christmas bonuses."

Solution as it relates to Reaction:

Positive responses are what solves the objective story problem. For example, Marge's pragmatic response to Homer's outburst when he learns of the savings spent on the removal of Bart's tattoo is "Don't worry, Homer. We'll just have to stretch your Christmas bonus even further this year." The family's reaction to "Santa's Little Helper" leaves no doubt that the dilemma of Christmas without gifts is resolved:

Focus as it relates to Acceptance:

The objective characters deal with the effects of problems caused by "proaction" by focusing on "acceptance." Homer reluctantly submits to attending the children's Christmas pageant. As he and Marge make their way (late ) toward their seats in the school auditorium, Homer comments to a pal: "Hey Norman, so you got dragged out here too;" Homer tolerates his sister-in-laws; Marge accepts that she must pay for Bart's tattoo removal in cash, without asking for an alternative payment plan; and so forth.

Direction as it relates to Nonacceptance:

The objective characters attempt to deal with the difficulties they focus on by taking the direction of "nonacceptance." Selma and Patty do not accept their brother-in-law "Of all the men you could have married, I don't know why you picked one who's always so rude;" Lisa does not accept her aunt casting aspersions on her father:

Stipulation as it relates to Progress:

The more festive the Simpsons' household becomes as the story advances is how progress is measured toward achieving the goal.

Catalyst as it relates to Work:

An example of "work" moving the objective story forward is the doctor performing the laser removal of Bart's tattoo--and demanding a cash payment, cash that Marge counted on to buy Christmas gifts; Homer taking a part-time job to earn money for Christmas gifts; and so forth.

Inhibitor as it relates to Doubt:

An example of how "doubt" impedes the objective story progress is illustrated in a conversation between Marge and her cynical sister, Patty, as they make the arrangements for Christmas Eve:

Goal as it relates to The Present:

Christmas is in the here and now in this episode of The Simpsons, and everyone is concerned that it is the best one ever.

Consequence as it relates to The Conscious:

If the Simpsons are not able to celebrate this Christmas, the situation will turn black as the family will be more conscious of Homer's failings.

Cost as it relates to Conceiving:

An example of costs incurred on the way to the goal are the negative ideas Patty and Selma try to put into Marge and the kid's heads about Homer.

Dividend as it relates to Learning:

Examples of dividends accrued on the way to the goal are: Marge and the kids learn they can depend on Homer to do the best he can for them; Homer learns his family is more concerned for him than material possessions; Homer and Barney learn the ins and outs of playing Santa Claus; Bart learns the process of tattoo removal:

Requirements as it relates to Progress:

To achieve the best Christmas ever, Homer thinks he must advance his efforts to make money for gifts.

Prerequisites as it relates to The Preconscious:

As an example of how "preconscious" describes what is needed to meet the story requirements, Homer must stifle his impulse to unthinkingly blurt out to Marge that they have no money for Christmas gifts.

Preconditions as it relates to Being:

Homer takes a job as Santa Claus to earn money for Christmas gifts.

Forewarnings as it relates to Doing:

An example of how "doing" describes the imminent approach of the story's consequences is illustrated in the scene where Homer, Bart, and Barney enter the dog track and Homer, feeling like an irresponsible father sighs: "I can't believe I'm doing this." The shot that immediately follows is a father and son (Bart's age) who are obviously no strangers to the track:

THE SUBJECTIVE STORY THROUGHLINE:

Throughline Synopsis:

Homer and Bart start off with a prickly relationship. Homer is angry that Bart has disrupted the Christmas pageant, and Bart is irritated with his father's ineptness. The lack of respect is evident on both sides, and this doesn't begin to change until Bart discovers that Homer has taken a part-time job to buy the family Christmas gifts. Once Bart decides to help Homer, Homer begins to slowly change from thinking materialistic items are what will make his family happy, to realizing it is he and the love they all share that is what counts.

Backstory:

Homer and Bart's antagonistic relationship is the result of Bart's constant trouble making and Homer's low tolerance for children:

Domain as it relates to Mind:

Homer and Bart each have a different fixed mindset on the meaning of Christmas. Homer is childlike in his enthusiasm for the holiday, and believes it is the presents that make it special. Bart is cynical, yet appreciates the meaning of Christmas beyond its commercial trappings.

Concern as it relates to The Conscious:

It's what is not taken into consideration that is of concern between Homer and Bart. For example, Bart doesn't consider Homer much of a man; Homer doesn't consider Bart's opinions--he doesn't take Bart's advice at the racetrack and therefore loses the race; and so forth.

Range as it relates to Appraisal :

Bart speaks with a jaded tone when describing who puts the presents under the tree: "Oh please, there's just one fat guy who brings us presents each year and his name ain't Santa."

Counterpoint as it relates to Reappraisal :

Bart reassesses his earlier opinion of Homer once he discovers the lengths his father will go to make the family happy.

Thematic Conflict as it relates to Appraisal vs. Reappraisal:

There is more weight given to reconsidering first impressions in the subjective story throughline.

Problem as it relates to Deduction:

The (mistaken) conclusions each Homer and Bart draw about the other is the source of problems between the two.

Solution as it relates to Induction:

Bart, going along with Homer's inductive (faulty) reasoning at the racetrack, is what solves the problems between the two. Homer assumes that because the last minute replacement at the dog track is named "Santa's Little Helper," and it is Christmas time, he's a sure thing:

Focus as it relates to Acceptance:

Tolerating each other, without moving beyond that stage to develop a meaningful relationship, is where attention is focused in the subjective story.

Direction as it relates to Nonacceptance:

In response to the effects of the problem between them, neither Homer nor Bart are willing to accept the other for who they are, flaws and all.

Stipulation as it relates to The Preconscious:

The way Homer and Bart instinctively respond to each other is negative. As time goes on, however, they draw closer together and their impulses become more affectionate.

Catalyst as it relates to Investigation:

An example of how "investigation" acts as the catalyst to move the subjective story forward is when Bart, acting on a dare, yanks off the "so-called Santa's" beard and discovers that it is Homer:

Inhibitor as it relates to Attempt:

Examples of "attempt" impeding the progress of Homer and Bart's relationship is Homer's failed attempt at putting up Christmas lights, which Bart scorns, and Bart's singing his own rude version of Jingle Bells, infuriating Homer.

Homer Simpson's THROUGHLINE:

Role:

Father

Description:

Dense, blundering, and concerned with instant gratification. Devoted family man. His birthday gifts to his wife have been a tackle box, Connie Chung calendar, and a bowling ball with his name engraved on it.

Throughline Synopsis:

Homer begins the Christmas season with childlike enthusiasm for his favorite holiday. "I'm just a big kid, and I love Christmas so much." When he learns from his boss that he will not be receiving his annual Christmas bonus, and that the family Christmas cash has been spent on a tattoo removal for his son, he takes the responsibility of providing Christmas for his family.

Backstory:

. . . The show itself belongs to Homer, the pear-shaped, bear-claw snarfing, Duff Beer-swilling clan elder. Indeed, the cluelessly id-driven charter member of the Charlie Brown Hair Club for Men is the mouthpiece of the show's edgiest jokes. Like a hand-drawn Archie Bunker, Homer is a softy deep down, an Everyguy who never met a doughnut he didn't like. When he gets his hand repeatedly caught in a vending machine (D'Oh!), your heart goes out to the Sisyphus of Springfield. Beneath all his demented appetite-driven travails and negligent parenting, Homer has the biggest heart on TV--even if it is clogged with cholesterol. "Mmmm, cholesterol." (Entertainment Weekly 27)

Domain as it relates to Physics:

Homer engages in the endeavor to provide the best Christmas ever for his family. To accomplish his goal, he steals a Christmas tree, enrolls in Santa Claus school to earn money for gifts, and so forth.

Concern as it relates to Learning:

Learning is of particular concern to Homer. As he attempts to figure out how to make money to buy Christmas gifts, he learns what is really important, the Christmas spirit of the family.

Range as it relates to Strategy:

Homer puts into effect a specific plan to earn money for gifts.

Counterpoint as it relates to Analysis:

Homer's analysis of problematic situations is faulty, limiting his potential to effectively strategize a plan of action.

Thematic Conflict as it relates to Strategy vs. Analysis:

An example of the conflict between "strategy" and "analysis" considered by Homer is found in his plan to illuminate the house with Christmas lights. The plan does not work, and Homer is left to evaluate the situation as he sadly contemplates the difference between his Christmas lights and the brilliant display of his next-door-neighbor's, and dejectedly hangs his head.

Problem as it relates to Proaction:

Homer runs into problems when he takes the initiative to solve his family's quandary on his own.

Solution as it relates to Reaction:

Taking time to react to conflict before making a pre-emptive first strike, is the key characteristic necessary in resolving Homer's drive.

Focus as it relates to Inaction:

Although Homer is a do-er, he reacts passively to problems. Instead of challenging Mr. Burns' edict not to give out annual Christmas bonuses, he mutters to himself "Oh, thank God for the big jar." Another example is when Homer, full of self-loathing and despair, wallows in his misery at Moe's tavern:

Direction as it relates to Protection:

Instead of telling his family the truth about not receiving the Christmas bonus, Homer directs his efforts toward what he thinks will preserve the holiday for them, for example, stealing a Christmas tree:

Stipulation as it relates to Doing:

An example of how "doing" is the standard by which Homer judges the degree of his concern of "learning," is by engaging in physical activities that will solve his problem, e.g., taking on a part-time job.

Unique Ability as it relates to Prerequisites:

For Homer to achieve the goal, he must follow preliminary steps. One essential step is understanding the importance of family. He displays this understanding when, acting as Santa Claus, he listens to the materialistic demands of a child:

Critical Flaw as it relates to Deficiency:

Homer's feelings of inadequacy undermines his efforts:

Bart Simpson's THROUGHLINE:

Role:

Son

Description:

Bart is an extremely bright underachiever. One of his rules to live by is "Commit the following sentences to memory; you'll be surprised at how often they will come in handy: I didn't do it. Nobody saw me do it! They can't prove anything!" (Zehme 40-42)

Throughline Synopsis:

Bart is concerned with his own desires, and sets out to fulfill them, without any regard to his parents' admonitions and careless of how his actions may impact the family. His attempt to get a tattoo is thwarted by Marge, but there is still a partial tattoo that must be removed, requiring all of the Simpsons' Christmas savings for payment. Unrepentant, Bart and his friends hit the mall, intent on wreaking havoc. Bart follows through on a dare to yank the beard off of the "quote unquote Santa," only to realize it's his father, who explains he is trying to earn money to buy lavish gifts for the family. Bart agrees to help make it the best Christmas ever. Although Bart does not make the same kind of leap of faith as his father, he does experience some growth in his throughline.

Backstory:

"According to those who know [Bart] best he is a sociopath who one day will be arraigned. Bart is trapped in a world where everyone is struggling to be normal. Bart's response to being normal is 'no way man'" (Zehme 40-42).

Domain as it relates to Psychology:

Bart Simpson challenges what is considered by society as acceptable behavior. This is depicted at the school Christmas pageant when he substitutes his own words for the lyrics of a traditional Christmas carol:

Concern as it relates to Conceiving:

In the process of devising a way to justify getting a tattoo, Bart imagines what Marge would say if his tattoo was "Mother":

Range as it relates to Need:

Once Bart determines he needs something, it becomes urgent that he fulfill his desires. For example, in this episode, it is imperative that he get a tattoo.

Counterpoint as it relates to Expediency:

In Bart's urgency to get a tattoo, he takes what he believes is the most prudent and efficient course, considering his parents' anger--he asks to have the tattoo "Mother" inscribed on his arm.

Thematic Conflict as it relates to Need vs. Expediency:

Bart places more importance on what he deems is a necessity, however, he takes what he feels is the most convenient course to fulfill that desire.

Problem as it relates to Certainty:

Bart is driven by what he believes are the indisputable truisms found on television:

"If TV has taught me anything, it's that miracles always happen to poor kids at Christmas. It happened to Tiny Tim, it happened to Charlie Brown, it happened to the Smurfs, and it's gonna happen to us!"

Solution as it relates to Potentiality:

Bart thinks that taking a chance at the dog races can solve the Simpson's Christmas dilemma.

Focus as it relates to Acceptance:

Bart acquiesces to Homers rules, lulling Homer into a false sense of security.

Direction as it relates to Nonacceptance:

Bart has no intention of compromising his desires and directs his efforts to fulfilling them--which often causes problems for Homer.

Stipulation as it relates to Being:

Bart acts the fool and wayward boy when he comes up with the idea to change the words to "Jingle Bells" during the Christmas pageant, angering Homer, but the more he acts as his father's ally, the more he puts his ideas to good use.

Unique Ability as it relates to Permission:

Bart is able to force Homer to address his personal problem of "proaction" by challenging Homer's permissiveness.

Critical Flaw as it relates to Preconditions:

The very nature of "preconditions" is what undermines Bart's efforts, for example, his young age and the limitations put on him by his parents.

ACT PROGRESSIONS:

The Objective Throughline Act Order:

Objective Story Signpost 1 as it relates to The Past:

Marge pens what has happened in the past year for the Simpsons' annual Christmas letter "The magic of the season has touched us all;" Lisa requests a pony for Christmas, as she has for the past three years; and so forth.

Objective Story Journey 1 from The Past to The Future:

In Santa Claus class, future situations are anticipated from past experiences. For example, the students are instructed to respond to the charge "You're not really Santa . . ." with "If such an emergency arises, you just tell them Santa is very busy at this time of this year and you are one of his helpers."

Objective Story Signpost 2 as it relates to The Future:

Homer's new employer congratulates his new hire: "Welcome aboard, Simpson. Pending your successful completion of our training program, that is."

Objective Story Journey 2 from The Future to Progress:

The prospect of a merry Christmas filled with gifts looks brighter as Homer takes on a part time job as Santa Claus.

Objective Story Signpost 3 as it relates to Progress:

An indication of how things are going in the Simpson household is illustrated when Homer (as Santa Claus) confides in a small child:

Objective Story Journey 3 from Progress to The Present:

The progress Homer has made in earning money for Christmas gifts is for naught once he reviews his paycheck:

At this moment, Christmas is ruined--until "Santa's Little Helper" presents himself as a viable alternative to store bought gifts.

Objective Story Signpost 4 as it relates to The Present:

Homer brings home "Santa's Little Helper" and a merry Christmas is celebrated in the Simpson household.

The Subjective Throughline Act Order:

Subjective Story Signpost 1 as it relates to The Preconscious:

Homer's unthinking response to what his son wants for Christmas is inappropriate. As Marge reads off of Bart's Christmas list that he wants a tattoo, Homer exclaims:

Subjective Story Journey 1 from The Preconscious to The Subconscious:

Homer and Bart's relationship is usually filled with conflict--they snipe at each other saying the first (negative) comment that comes to mind. When faced with a mutual enemy, however, they band together. As an example, when Homer walks in the door, Bart (and Lisa) run to him for protection from their aunts:

Subjective Story Signpost 2 as it relates to The Subconscious:

Homer and Bart are united in their mutual desire to avoid Patty and Selma.

Subjective Story Journey 2 from The Subconscious to The Conscious:

An example of how the subjective story develops from concerns with the "subconscious" to the "conscious" is illustrated when Bart discovers his father's new employment:

Subjective Story Signpost 3 as it relates to The Conscious:

Conscious of his parental role, Homer is reluctant to allow Bart accompany him to the race track.

Subjective Story Journey 3 from The Conscious to Memory:

A bit more considerate of each other, Homer and Bart go home to celebrate a memorable Christmas.

Subjective Story Signpost 4 as it relates to Memory:

Once Bart shares his recollections of what has happened on past Christmas television specials, he is able to convince Homer to bet his Christmas paycheck at the dog races, and allow him to accompany his dad and Barney:

The Main Character Throughline Act Order:

Main Character Signpost 1 as it relates to Doing:

Homer speeds to Bart and Lisa's Christmas recital; Homer tries unsuccessfully to string up Christmas lights; He takes readings at the nuclear power plant; Takes on a part-time job; and so forth.

Main Character Journey 1 from Doing to Obtaining:

Once Homer realizes there is no money for Christmas gifts, his concern changes from engaging in his daily work activities and Christmas preparations, to buying the most inexpensive gifts possible, or getting a second job to pay for fancy presents.

Main Character Signpost 2 as it relates to Obtaining:

To avoid telling Marge the truth about his nonexistent Christmas bonus, he tells her he wants to do the Christmas shopping this year; Homer buys his family gifts: "Marge, Marge, let's see . . . ooh, pantyhose, practical and alluring."

Main Character Journey 2 from Obtaining to Learning:

To obtain the position of a part-time Santa, Homer must learn a few Santa facts:

Main Character Signpost 3 as it relates to Learning:

Homer learns the difference between gross and net pay.

Main Character Journey 3 from Learning to Understanding:

Homer's concern shifts from learning ways to earn money for Christmas gifts, to finally understanding all his family wants for Christmas is his love.

Main Character Signpost 4 as it relates to Understanding:

Homer appreciates the qualities of "Santa's Little Helper" stating ruefully: "But he's a loser. He's pathetic. He's. . . a Simpson."

The Obstacle Character Throughline Act Order:

Obstacle Character Signpost 1 as it relates to Conceiving:

Bart devises what he thinks is an acceptable way to get a tattoo and make Marge happy at the same time--by having "Mother" tattooed on his arm.

Obstacle Character Journey 1 from Conceiving to Becoming:

Bart's impact changes from a little brat full of ideas that disrupt and destroy, to embodying all the reasons why parents want to do the very best for their children.

Obstacle Character Signpost 2 as it relates to Becoming:

As Homer observes Flanders close relationship with his son, it is implied that Bart (and the other children) become more than an obligation to be palmed off with a few cheap gifts, they deserve the very best Homer can give them. Alas, this early in the story, Homer feels the impact of Bart but is in too much despair to see the answer to his problem.

Obstacle Character Journey 2 from Becoming to Conceptualizing:

Bart changes from Dennis the Menace incarnate to a son ready to help his father implement a plan to save Christmas.

Obstacle Character Signpost 3 as it relates to Conceptualizing:

Bart comes up with a practical implementation of how to torture the shopping mall Santa:

Obstacle Character Journey 3 from Conceptualizing to Being:

Bart changes from visualizing how to implement his many bright ideas (bound to land him in trouble), to being a good son for the Christmas holiday.

Obstacle Character Signpost 4 as it relates to Being:

To fulfill his role of the good son, Bart hides his skepticism when Homer wants to take a long shot, betting on "Santa's Little Helper":

Miscellaneous Other Storytelling Items:

All Concerns:

All of the objective characters are concerned with the present Christmas season--from the children performing in the school Christmas pageant, to Grandpa Simpson watching a television Christmas special with Lisa: "Unadulterated pap!" Bart's concern with Christmas is how to fulfill his wish for a tattoo. He devises a way to justify the tattoo--asking the artist to inscribe "Mother." Marge is less than pleased, especially when she has to use all of the family Christmas savings to pay for its removal. Once Homer learns there is to be no Christmas bonus, and that the savings have been spent, he puts his efforts into figuring out how to pay for nice Christmas gifts. Along the way, Homer and Bart stop being so inconsiderate of each other, and work together to make it the best Christmas ever.

Master Plot Synopsis:

The Simpsons' are in the midst of the Christmas season and eagerly anticipate the opening of gifts. Homer's annual Christmas bonus is denied, and the family's Christmas savings are used to remove Bart's tattoo. Homer keeps the bad news of no Christmas bonus to himself, and attempts to figure out a way to still make it the best Christmas ever. Marge's sisters, Patty and Selma, add pressure to the situation by making disparaging remarks about the lack of Christmas cheer in the Simpson household. Homer follows Barney's example of working as a part-time Santa, to earn money for gifts. Bart discovers his father moonlighting as Santa, and with Barney, talks him into trying to parlay his meager paycheck into big winnings at the dog track. Homer is convinced that dog #8, "Santa's Little Helper," is a good luck omen, and against Bart's advice, puts all his money on this long shot. The dog comes in last, and its disgusted owner sets it free. Bart begs his father to take the dog home, which he does. Homer comes clean with his family, and much to his surprise, learns that "Santa's Little Helper" is the perfect Christmas gift, and the love of the family is all that really matters.

Master Theme Synopsis:

Christmas and all it entails--dazzling lights, jingle bells, children's merriment, and bitter family quarrels, emphasizes the thematics of familial love and the struggle to maintain harmony in the home. Despite the sharp wit and cynical commentary on American culture, The Simpsons' thematic message of family unity as more important than material wealth echoes its sitcom predecessors.

Subjective Character Synopsis:

In this episode of The Simpsons, the relationship between Homer and Bart is depicted as generally antagonistic. Bart doesn't have a lot of respect for his father, and Homer has little patience for his son's antics. Once Bart discovers the lengths Homer will go to provide his family with Christmas gifts, he puts aside his smart alecky persona and helps his dad out. More importantly, Bart is able to show his father that it's not expensive store bought gifts that count with the Simpson family, but the gift of love from the heart.

Master Character Synopsis:

The physical appearance of Groening's characters is not quite human. Their skin color is yellow-orange, their eyes oversized, and they operate with eight fingers. Their mutant appearance may be interpreted as an underscoring of their cartoon status, or as a consequence of living in a town dominated by a nuclear power plant. The personality of the characters matches their odd facades. Instead of putting up with a witchy mother-in-law like Endora of Bewitched, Homer contends with two bitchy sisters-in-law who growl their lines and smoke cigarettes clenched between their teeth. Baby Maggie, when asked to choose between her two siblings, puts her arms around the television set. Lisa, an intellectual eight year old maintains "I'm not precocious, precocious is the word that adults chauvinistically use to diminish the fact that you're reasonably intelligent!" (Zehme 40-42) Marge's hair is a bright blue monumental tribute to the beehive. Her secret pork-tenderizing tip, "the extra ingredient is care" (Zehme 40-42). Homer is dense. He alternately plays the hero or fool, but never with any clue as to how he bumbled into the situation at hand. He dispenses what he believes in good fatherly advice: "If something is bothering you and you're to damn stupid to know what to do, just keep your fool mouth shut. At least that way you won't make things worse." He is (unenthusiastically) involved in child rearing:

He is thoughtful. His birthday gifts to his wife have been a tackle box, a Connie Chung calendar, and a bowling ball with his name engraved on it. The most deviant character of all is Bart, anagram for "brat." . . . One of his rules to live by is: "Commit the following sentences to memory; you'll be surprised at how often it comes in handy "I didn't do it. Nobody saw me do it!" They can't prove anything!" (Zehme 40-42)