Raising Arizona (1987) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Raising Arizona is set in the Arizona suburbs and desert regions. The story unfolds in warm climate desert landscapes that combine quiet residential life with breathtaking views of the surrounding desert. These contrasting environments symbolize the characters' inner turmoil and their deep desire for a family.

• arizona desert
• arizona suburbs
• setting
• location

The film takes place in contemporary late 20th century America. This time period captures the struggles of ordinary individuals navigating life's challenges amidst personal and social dilemmas, reflecting the era's values around family and societal expectations.

• time period
• 1980s
• contemporary
• era

Herbert 'H.I.' McDunnough is a small-time crook whose charming demeanor masks deeper vulnerabilities. He oscillates between a hopeful husband and a desperate criminal, driven by his love for Ed and his longing for a family. Despite his misdeeds, H.I. is depicted as a relatable character struggling with choices that challenge his moral compass.

• h.i. mc dunnough
• herbert
• criminal
• main character

Edwina 'Ed' McDunnough is a dedicated police officer who falls in love with H.I. while he is incarcerated. Her initial strength falters under emotional strain as her character evolves from a hopeful partner to one overwhelmed by grief and societal pressures. Despite her challenges, Ed's fierce love for H.I. drives her actions in pursuit of their shared dream of starting a family.

• edwina
• ed
• police officer
• main character

The film explores three interconnected themes: family, crime, and romance. Family is at the heart, showing the lengths individuals will go to create a family, even amidst questionable choices. Crime weaves through the plot as H.I.'s past and present collide, presenting a darkly comedic perspective on crime stemming from deeper emotional struggles. Romance blossoms between H.I. and Ed as a beacon of hope that inspires them to pursue their dreams together.

• themes
• family
• crime
• romance
• meaning

The theme of family showcases the lengths to which individuals will go to create a family, even amidst questionable choices. H.I. and Ed's desperation to become parents drives them to make impulsive decisions. The narrative explores the consequences of these desires and examines what constitutes a true family, ultimately suggesting that family is about commitment and love rather than blood ties alone.

• family
• parenthood
• infertility
• adoption

Crime is presented through a darkly comedic lens, illustrating how criminal behavior can stem from deeper emotional struggles. H.I.'s thefts highlight the blurred lines between right and wrong, showing that crime often arises from desperate circumstances rather than pure greed. The film tempers serious themes of criminality with whimsical humor and eccentric characters.

• crime
• theft
• kidnapping
• crime theme

Romance serves as a beacon of hope amid the chaotic lives of H.I. and Ed. Their relationship transforms them, prompting them to pursue dreams together and face challenges they could not overcome alone. Love inspires them to seek a better future, and despite their desperate circumstances, their bond remains the stabilizing force throughout the film's escalating chaos.

• romance
• love
• h.i. and ed
• relationship

The film has a predominantly whimsical tone, established through its eccentric characters, absurd situations, and stylized narration. This whimsical approach tempers the underlying serious themes of infertility and crime, creating a balance between comedy and drama. The Coen brothers use humor to explore dark subject matter while maintaining an uplifting, energetic energy throughout.

• tone
• whimsical
• comedy
• style
• coen brothers

Raising Arizona is a thematically rich story about desire, desperation, and the definition of family. It explores how ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances, specifically infertility and the longing for a child, make desperate choices that test their morality. The narrative ultimately delivers a hopeful message about keeping dreams alive and finding family beyond traditional definitions.

• thematic story
• plot summary
• meaning
• message