julie's+response+to+rebel+without+a+cause

JIM They think I'll make friends if we move. Just move and everything'll be roses and sunshine.

RAY But you don't think that's a solution.

JIM is silent; he picks at his nails.

RAY (continuing) Things pretty tough for you at home?

JIM She eats him alive and he takes it.

JIM stares at his family through hole in door.

JIM What a zoo!

RAY What?

JIM A zoo. He always wants to be my pal, you know? But how can I give him anything when he's--I mean I love him and I don't want to hurt him--but I don't know what to do anymore except maybe die.

RAY Pretty mixed up?

JIM If he could--

RAY "If he could" what? You mean your father?

JIM I mean if he had the guts to knock Mom cold once I bet she'd be happy and I bet she'd stop picking. They make mush out of him. Just mush. One thing I know is I never want to be like him.

RAY (interrupts) Chicken?

JIM I bet you see right through me, don't you?

RAY shrugs.

JIM How can anyone grow up in this circus?

RAY You got me, Jim--but they do. Want some water?

In this scene, Jim is in the officer's office, away from his parents, and at his peak of anger. Through this scene you can see into Jim's life and his family. Through Jim's many emotions he expresses you see just how messed up he is, and that he needs a stronger male in his life. His father is whipped and cannot stand up for himself, which makes Jim feel he does not have the support from his father what so ever. Jim's father is not setting a good example for Jim and that leaves him lost with no direction, which is the whole issue of the movie itself.