Serious circumstances, illness and death v/s Humour
p. 45 Harry’s comments about Chinese view of death or philosophy v/s the men’s discussion about death
2. LITERARY ALLUSIONS
Legend references
Bible reference
Historical reference
Film Reference “Gone with the Wind” 1940 classic
English Literature Reference
Musical Reference
3. Intertextual References allows for comparisons of similar themes to be drawn between the texts for the purpose of defining the meaning of Away.
4. SYMBOLISM
Find the meaning of the symbols: a) Water and Ocean b) “The Stranger on the Shore” play c) The Campers d) 3 different Holidays e) Bonfire, light and darkness f) Lighting and Directions
“The storm is also a metaphor for the healing power of nature, paralleled by Gow’s use of light and the outdoors. The opening scene in the school hall has the fairies scurrying about in the “garish light”. After the storm “there is darkness” then the “light becomes warm and intense.” This indicates that a superficial life can be led but to truly understand oneself obstacles and hardships must be overcome but ultimately they lead to a greater understanding of self. Once the storm occurs, the play never again goes back indoors. Upon coming home, Away has completed a full circle but there is an off turn in the circle, in that the class is now outdoors “under the trees” not in the “garish light” of the school hall. Away and the chapter of the characters journeys closes at the conclusion of the play, but the journey itself continues “toward death”.”
5. USE of MUSIC
Act 3, Sc 4 The Wedding March
Act 3, Sc 5 Dream
6. IDIOM and COLLOQUIAL LANGUAGE
“Little Chips Rafferty’s”
7. IRONY
Meg : when you’re married to someone, do you ever wish they were dead?
She is saying how difficult it is for her to like her mother AND questioning the 1960’s approach to marriage.
8. PLAY within A