Playing Chicken

As the teenagers play chicken, we see the restlessness and defiance of youth. Buzz and Jim play chicken to determine who is the strongest and bravest of the two. After an earlier fight, Buzz's reputation has been tarnished, and he wants to regain his status. He has always been the top guy in school, and he refuses to be toppled by a new kid in town.

Playing chicken symbolizes the egos of the characters. The only reason to play is to prove something, and both young men are vying to be the strongest and bravest in school. Jim acquiesces to the competition because he's the new guy in town, but he also gets a rush from the excitement of such a daring act.

Playing chicken also symbolizes the teenagers' desperation. They are miserable at home, and they are desperate for diversion from their depressing lives. Playing chicken...