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Death and the Maiden Essay Notes

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Death and the Maiden Essay Notes
Intro:
Death and the maiden, is a play written by Ariel Dorfman that is set in Chile under the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. I have composed a poster for the play to highlight the key themes and characterisation conveyed in the play. Dorfman has included multiple techniques to expand the character development, add more depth into the play and to position the audience to think what they would do in that circumstance. I have added images to the poster that relate to the techniques involved. Dorfman’s main character has the choice to kill her worst enemy or to set him free. He has concluded the play as open-ended, so the reader must decide whether she did or did not kill her nemesis.
Body paragraphs:
The three characters in the play are Gerardo, Paulina and Roberto. They all relate to the images on the poster through symbolism, metaphor or themes throughout the play. One of the key themes is the quartet song and title of the play, “Death and the Maiden”. Music notes from the song by Schubert, “death and the maiden”, are a symbol of fear in relation to Paulina’s experience with Roberto. ………………………….. < expand >
The first image that can be easily seen by the audience is the scales. The scales are centred in the middle of the poster and are one images that grabs the audience’s attention. The scales in the poster symbolise balance and justice. The play uses the theme of justice in relation to Gerardo’s character. ………………….. < example

* Gun symbolises violence, in relation to Paulina’s character. * Mirror is used to position the audience to reflect on the situation and ask themselves what they would do. * Colour black symbolises evil and conflict, in relation to Roberto’s character. * Bright light is used to “show the light on the crime” in relation to Roberto.

Conclusion:
To conclude, the themes, symbolism and techniques that Ariel Dorfman has incorporated into this play give a more in depth characterisation, plot and position the

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