In Brighton Beach Memoirs, how is the historical context of 1937 best conveyed through the character of Eugene Jerome? Eugene is a challenge to his family. He does not always cooperate with his parents. This was a common challenge in the 1930s. Eugene is annoyed with his cousin. She is sickly and he is active. This was typical in the 1930s. Eugene is fascinated with baseball and the New York Yankees. Baseball was very popular with Americans in the 1930s. Eugene is smart and funny. He has many humorous lines he speaks to the audience. This expresses the humor of the 1930s.