Class (1983) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The film takes place primarily at Vernon Academy, an elite boys' preparatory school in Illinois, with scenes also set at the neighboring Foxfield Academy, the bustling city of Chicago, and briefly in New York City. These different settings represent various social dynamics the characters navigate.

• vernon academy
• foxfield academy
• chicago
• illinois
• setting
• prep school

Class is set in the 1980s, a decade marked by changing social norms and the rise of youth culture. The era emphasized prestige in academics, with college admissions becoming increasingly competitive and high-pressure, particularly at elite institutions.

• 1980s
• decade
• time period
• 80s
• era

The film explores three central themes: Identity, as Jonathan struggles between his true self and the facade he creates to fit in; Romance, which drives much of the plot's conflict through his complex relationship with Ellen; and Ambition, showing how the relentless pursuit of success at prestigious schools can come at the cost of personal integrity and mental health.

• identity
• romance
• ambition
• themes
• self-discovery

Jonathan Ogner is the film's protagonist, an earnest and intelligent student at the prestigious Vernon Academy. He struggles with insecurities and societal pressures to fit in, ultimately learning important lessons about integrity and self-acceptance through his experiences at the school.

• jonathan ogner
• protagonist
• main character
• andrew mccarthy

Skip Burroughs (Squire Franklin Burroughs IV) is Jonathan's charismatic but somewhat manipulative friend at Vernon Academy. His complex friendship with Jonathan serves as a vehicle for exploring themes of acceptance and betrayal throughout the story.

• skip burroughs
• squire burroughs
• rob lowe
• friend
• character

Ellen is an older, free-spirited woman who becomes romantically involved with Jonathan. She represents both temptation and the challenges of adult emotional realities, with her relationship with Jonathan creating pivotal moments that force him to confront issues of deception and his own identity.

• ellen
• jacqueline bisset
• romance
• love interest
• older woman

Ambition is a key motivator for Jonathan, whose desperate desire to be accepted into Harvard exemplifies the relentless pursuit of success at elite institutions. The film examines how this ambition affects his friendships, mental wellbeing, and personal integrity, ultimately questioning what true success means.

• harvard
• ambition
• success
• academic pressure
• college admissions

The theme of identity is central to Jonathan's journey as he navigates the pressures of academic expectations and social acceptance at Vernon Academy. His struggle between his true self and the persona he creates comes to a head through various moments, highlighting the challenges young adults face in discovering who they really are.

• identity
• self-discovery
• authenticity
• fitting in
• teenage identity

Class has a bittersweet tone, combining comedic and dramatic elements as it follows Jonathan's journey of self-discovery and first love. The story involves deception, public humiliation, and emotional loss, but ultimately provides closure through Harvard acceptance and reconciliation with his friend Skip.

• tone
• bittersweet
• drama
• comedy
• emotional

Vernon Academy is portrayed as a prestigious boys' preparatory school known for rigorous academic standards and privileged students. It represents the elite social world Jonathan aspires to belong to, symbolizing both the academic pressure and social dynamics that shape his identity crisis throughout the film.

• vernon academy
• prep school
• elite school
• social class
• privilege