The themes of illusion and Reality in CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF
Tennessee Williams epic play, 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof', is much more than a story highlighting the inadequacies of the Pollitt family, it is a carefully planned critique of American society during the fifties. One of the leading themes that Williams explores in order to do this is that of illusion and reality. The theme is brought to attention by Bricks claim that he is dismayed by the presence of 'mendacity' in society. The theme is quickly defined as 'lying and liars' by Brick and his father. It has become quite clear that Brick is not revealing the truth about an element of his personal life. He is eventually forced to reluctantly do so by his father. Williams is keen to display the complexities between the relationship Big Daddy has with his children. On one hand there is Gooper, an established lawyer with a prosperous family, and on the other there is Brick, whom by all accounts; including his own at times, is a has been footballer who has thrown in the towel. However, it can be claimed that Gooper, along with his partner Mae is really motivated the prospect of financial prosperity. Both he and Mae appear to be loyal and complaint to Big Mama and Big Daddy. Yet, despite the fact that Gooper has achieved all that society has asked of him, he remains unable to please his father, who seems to prefer Bricks company to his. Furthermore, the main link between the two
In what ways do the language rituals in "The Homecoming" and "Waiting for Godot" suggest the play wrights' respective perceptions of the human condition?
In what ways do the language rituals in "The Homecoming" and "Waiting for Godot" suggest the playwrights' respective perceptions of the human condition? Introduction The role of language and communication is a central issue in both plays on a purely theatrical level, serving to advance the plot and enhance characterisation, yet it achieves far more than simply forming an entertaining piece of drama. Throughout the plays there are periods where dialogue between the characters manages to display human language's most powerful capabilities, yet others where its shortcomings are dramatically exposed. Behind the conversations, hidden in the silences, both plays offer far more to the audience than can be gathered from the words alone. What is stated, what is implied and what is left unsaid are all of equal importance, as each simple line provokes thoughts on a series of deeper issues. The use of language and language rituals offers an insight into wider thoughts than simply those concerning the characters in the play. Both playwrights' ideas and suggestions concerning the human condition may be interpreted from these rituals; the interaction of the characters and the way they choose to communicate with one another present perceptions of our very existence as human beings. When seeking to compare the ways in which this is achieved by the playwrights, a fundamental difference
Analysis of Macbeth's Soliloquy (Act 1 Scene 7)
Analysis of Macbeth's Soliloquy (Act 1 Scene 7) By Edward Chan Exuding the underlying reflections of Macbeth's psyche, the soliloquy represents the outpouring of confusion and conscience, adding to our insight into Macbeth's obscure persona. At the opening of the play, we have a strong impression of Macbeth as a 'worthy gentleman', with Duncan referring to him as 'noble Macbeth'. Though, this becomes untenable with ironic juxtaposition when we witness Macbeth's intent to murder Duncan for the 'golden round'. Macbeth's soliloquy better elucidates this complex character, providing a more comprehensive basis for our judgement. Incongruous to the courage and physical strength Macbeth displayed on the battlefield 'unseam[ing Macduff] from the nave to th'chaps', he is weak and vacillating in his soliloquy. Macbeth emanates an atmosphere of confusion and anxiety suggested by the rapid overlapping movement of imagery that reflects the swift intuitive movement in his mind. The concept of spurring a horse is overtaken by that of vaulting, and 'heaven's cherubin' riding the winds, 'the sightless couriers of the air' merges into the winds themselves and 'blow[s] the horrid deed in every eye'. It follows that Macbeth is irresolute about whether he should 'commit the deed'. The structure of Macbeth's arguments is based on assumptions - 'If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere
Analyse how character, language, setting and structure contribute to the dramatic effect of Death of a Salesman.
Death of a Salesman Analyse how character, language, setting and structure contribute to the dramatic effect of Death of a Salesman. The American Dream is the promise that any man may become a success through hard work and a good personality. Death of a Salesman is based on the false promises of the American Dream and follows the struggles for success of Willy Loman and his Family. Arthur Miller sets the play mainly in the Loman household in 1942. However, there are several dramatic flashbacks where Willy remembers back t o1928. Miller has set the play in the time of the American Dream and by using this real life situation he adds realism and dramatic devices in historical context. During scenes in the present, the actors ignore walls and all physical boundaries on stage. In the past, however, these boundaries are totally ignored. By using this theatrical technique, Miller not only helps to differentiate past from present, but also adds a dramatic effect by creating a sense of illusion and dreams. Another way in which Miller helps to separate the flashbacks from the rest of the play is by using music. In one of the scenes that is set in the past, happy and joyous music is played. This music is to represent the happiness of the past in Willy's mind; it also adds a sense of darkness and unhappiness to the present. At the start of the play, flute music is played. This gives
What's the significance of the moments when Iago addresses the audience?
What's the significance of the moments when Iago addresses the audience? Trying to psychoanalyse the nature of Iago is like trying to decipher the enigma. Iago is a character with so many different facets to his name that literary critics have been divided for years as to whether Iago is indeed a highly complex character or if he is one who is in fact very simple. We as an audience try and understand his actions. Perhaps Iago is of such a mentality that his audience simply cannot grasp his nature and it is only through the imagination of Shakespeare that we gain an insight into this different mentality. One reputable critic - Coleridge was of the opinion that Iago had a "motiveless malignity" a delight in evil for evils sake. This would remove the much-popularised view that Iago had several motives - envy, humiliation, failure and inferiority. Either intentionally or unintentionally Iago creates an air of mystery about himself, which is subtly revealed in his soliloquies with the audience. Critics have always felt that Othello and Iago are in some ways equal and opposite or rather, complimentary. However the Elizabethan audience would have considered them to be strangely similar, because they share common values. Both Iago and Othello suffer from the same disease - jealousy. So in this sense they can be seen as parallels. I think that this is what Shakespeare intended,
Arthur Miller said that his first title for “Death of a salesman” was “The inside of his head”. Why do you think Miller considered using this as a title and how can a production of the play convey to an audience that it is about Willy
The Perse school for girls English Literature Centre number: 22135 Twentieth Century Drama Michelle Cheung November 2001 Arthur Miller said that his first title for "Death of a salesman" was "The inside of his head". Why do you think Miller considered using this as a title and how can a production of the play convey to an audience that it is about Willy Loman's way of mind. "The image was of an enormous face the height of the proscenium arch which would appear and then open up, and we would see the inside of a man's head . . . it was conceived half in laughter, for the inside of his head was a mass of contradictions." - Arthur Miller Miller of course, did not use this 'arch' in any way in his play, but he did use a number of things to show what was going on inside Willy Loman's head. He not only showed the audience reality the way Willy Loman did, but at the same time show what was real. There are three levels of understanding: Willy's perception of reality, Willy's memories of his past, and the audience's perception of reality in the present. Past and present are used to show the audience what Willy Loman's past was like and how the present is linked
"The American Dream" in Arthur Millers Death Of A Salesman
The American Dream "The American Dream" is that dream of a land in which life should be better, richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement. It is a difficult dream for the European upper classes to interpret adequately, and too many have grown weary and mistrustful of it. It is not a dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position. American society is a curious thing. It has been praised, derided, ridiculed, and condemned throughout the years. In addition, over the years, people have flocked from foreign nations to come for diversity of America. They come with the hopes and dreams of the silver screens. However, many are faced with the brutal hardship, rather than the fairytale ending of a famous millionaire. Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman examines the clashing of dreams against American Reality through the eyes of Happy, Biff, Linda, and Willy Loman. Happy is the Loman's youngest son. He is also of low moral character. Happy has always been the "second son" and tries to be noticed by his parents by showing off. Hap tries to be on Will's good side and keep him happy, even if
Consider the significance of the Hamlet's ghost to the play in relation to the characters and the audience, both contemporary and Elizabethan.
Susana Corona Cruz Consider the significance of the Hamlet's ghost to the play in relation to the characters and the audience, both contemporary and Elizabethan. Hamlet was written some time between 1599 and 1609. During those times revenge tragedies were very popular and ghosts were not an unusual feature. Similarly to the Senecan ghost used in Elizabethan times, Shakespeare's ghost acts as a prologue and sets up the action of the play, it introduces the plot line which irremediably leads to the later tragic consequences. However Hamlet's ghost was in many ways a "revolutionary innovation" and broke previous conventions of ghosts. Unlike its predecessor, the Senecan ghost, a "kind of Jack-in-the-box" (J.W.D) which was no more than a spook puppet used to scare the audience, undoubtedly adding "to the intense edification of the groundlings"; Hamlet's ghost had a much more human and realistic appearance. It was said to have been the figure of the old king Hamlet, still dressed in his old armour "Together with that fair and warlike form" and surrounded by an edgy, cold and frightening environment in which typically ghosts appear "'Tis bitter cold". The ghost disappeared at the sound of the cock crow, when the morning dawned; "(...) Fare thee well at once. The glow-worm shows the matin to be near" This is another typical convention, as people perceived that evil creatures and
The Fate of Time.
The Fate of Time By Courtney Wallace "This day's black fate on more days doth depend:/ This but begins the woe others must end." (Act 3, Scene 1) What is love? Is it not a feeling, a dream, a look? How long must it take one to know he/she is in love? In addition, if it is longer then an hour is it really love? One could say love is in the eyes, the window to the soul; another could say the eyes could not see love for they only tell so much. However, what about fate, if fate exists what does it matter if the love is in the eyes or truly in the heart? In addition, at what point is life swept out of the beholder's hands and into those of fate? If Shakespeare would have answered, I believe he would have said, when those hearts of the beholders do feel love there life is taken by love. Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare, is a love story struck down by fate and doomed to tragedy. When considering the destruction of Romeo and Juliet the most significant facts are in terms of caution, patience and wisdom. Romeo and Juliet, said to be one of the most famous love stories of all times, is a play anchored on time, patience and fate. Some actions are believed to occur by chance or by destiny. The timing of each action influences the outcome of the play. While some events are of less significance, some are crucial to the development of this tragedy. Romeo and Juliet were very
Which scene do you regard as the most rewarding to compare in Akira Kurosawas Throne of Blood and Roman Polanskis Macbeth, and why do you think so? In your answer, you should take care to first analyze the scene in the play text before examining how
Question: Which scene do you regard as the most rewarding to compare in Akira Kurosawa's Throne of Blood and Roman Polanski's Macbeth, and why do you think so? In your answer, you should take care to first analyze the scene in the play text before examining how this scene is portrayed in the film. Answer: This essay provides a detailed and critical analysis of act 1 scene 7 from Macbeth and then proceeds to examine Aikira Kurosawa and Roman Polanski interpretation of the scene through their respective filmic adaptations. This scene from Shakespeare's play depicts how "Macbeth muses on Duncan's many good qualities, reflects that Duncan has been kind to him, and thinks that perhaps he ought not to kill his king. Lady Macbeth then enters and blows his hesitant thoughts away. She spurs Macbeth to treason by disregarding his rational, moral arguments and challenging his manhood. Under her persuasion, all of Macbeth's objections seem to evaporate." (SparkNotes Editors). This scene had several functions; firstly, it shows that Macbeth possesses moral order since in the first part of the scene, he actually acknowledges that Duncan has been good to him and he should dismiss the plan of killing Duncan; secondly, it touches upon the idea of women as a source of evil since it was lady Macbeth who persuades Macbeth to kill Duncan even though he has made up his mind not to kill Duncan;