Voices (1979) Plot Summary Explained

Drew is immediately drawn to Rosemarie at the train station, intrigued by how she navigates the world without hearing. His fascination grows as he learns about her perspective, and he discovers that her experience of life resonates with his own passion for music, he sees a kindred spirit who experiences the world differently but feels deeply. This curiosity evolves into genuine connection as they share their dreams and support each other's ambitions.

Foreshadowing: Drew's initial curiosity at the train station hints at his openness to understanding her world.

• deafness
• curiosity
• connection
• hearing impairment
• attraction

Mrs. Lemon doubts that Rosemarie's dancing dream is realistic or practical, worried about her daughter's stability and future happiness. She fears the dream may lead to disappointment and that Rosemarie should focus on her teaching career instead. This disapproval reflects her protective nature, though it creates tension between mother and daughter throughout the film.

Foreshadowing: Early scenes establish the mother's skepticism before the relationship with Drew fully develops.

• mother
• dream
• dancing
• disapproval
• career

The film shows them finding ways to connect despite her deafness, using visual cues, gestures, and written communication. Their relationship requires both to adapt, Drew learns to meet her in her world while Rosemarie opens herself to his. This communication becomes a foundation for their mutual understanding and support.

Foreshadowing: Drew's early fascination with how she navigates life hints at his willingness to learn her language.

• communication
• deafness
• sign language
• connection
• adaptation

Drew's father Nathan and brother Raymond view his dream of becoming a singer as impractical, treating it as a foolish pursuit rather than a serious career goal. The family lives in a cramped Hoboken apartment where practical concerns dominate, and they see his ambition as unrealistic. Their ridicule reflects their protective but dismissive approach to dreams that seem unreachable.

Foreshadowing: The crowded family apartment setting establishes the environment where Dreams are dismissed.

• singing
• family
• dream
• ridicule
• father
• brother

Rosemarie and Drew become each other's source of encouragement and confidence. Drew supports Rosemarie's ambition to dance while she validates his dream of singing. Their partnership gives them the emotional strength to push against family criticism and pursue what they're passionate about. Together, they find the courage to take risks they might not have taken alone.

Foreshadowing: Early dates show them discussing their ambitions openly, creating a foundation for mutual support.

• dreams
• support
• partnership
• encouragement
• confidence

Rosemarie's mother worries about her daughter's future with someone from a different world, while Drew's family sees the relationship as another distraction from practical life. Both families represent traditional expectations, Mrs. Lemon wants stability for Rosemarie, while Nathan and Raymond view Drew's pursuits as irresponsible. Their opposition creates external conflict that tests the couple's commitment.

Foreshadowing: The timeline shows family disapproval appearing early and recurring throughout the story.

• family
• opposition
• criticism
• parents
• disapproval

The crowded Hoboken apartment where Drew, his father, brother, and grandfather live symbolizes the pressures and constraints of everyday life. It frames the family dynamic and the chorus of skepticism Drew faces. The setting grounds the story in real struggles while the couple works to pursue their dreams within this environment, eventually transforming it through their determination and love.

Foreshadowing: The apartment appears early as a symbol of confinement versus aspiration.

• hoboken
• apartment
• family
• setting
• environment

Rosemarie possesses a quiet resolve that drives her to pursue dancing despite her mother's disapproval. Her work as a teacher of deaf children shows her determination, and her connection with Drew strengthens her belief that she can achieve her goals. The dream represents her identity and independence, something she refuses to abandon even when faced with doubt from those closest to her.

Foreshadowing: Her role as a teacher who nurtures her students' ambitions reflects her own unwavering dedication.

• dancing
• dream
• persistence
• teacher
• ambition

Their ability to communicate openly and support each other's goals strengthens their bond against external criticism. They learn to understand and respect each other's worlds, Drew embraces Rosemarie's deaf experience while she connects with his love for music. This mutual acceptance, combined with their shared determination to pursue dreams, allows them to present a united front and eventually earn family respect.

Foreshadowing: Their early conversations about each other's worlds establish the foundation for overcoming obstacles.

• overcoming
• support
• communication
• family
• respect