Hotel Sorrento Play Analysis

The place and time period surrounding authors shape the way texts are written, and thus texts often mirror the culture they were written in. Australian values and attitudes of the 1990s are explored through Hannie Rayson’s construction of the play Hotel Sorrento. The play delves into the controversial and multifaceted discussion as to what it means to be Australian, offering views from old-fashioned 1950s, contemporary (1990s), and progressive perspectives through the representation of main characters Hillary, Meg, Pippa and Wal Moynihan, Dick, Edwin and Marge. After living very different lives apart from one another for ten years, the three Moynihan sisters reunite resulting in a contrast between the values and attitudes held by each individual.
Finally, Pippa is more of a progressive figure showcasing growing attitudes towards consumerism for the nation in the future. The Moynihan family and characters in the play are a microcosm for the different aspects of Australian culture and identity. Exploring themes to do with family, loyalty and in contrast; betrayal, appreciation of the arts (or lack of), and personal and cultural identity in the play, allows the audience a glimpse into the cultural values and attitudes of Australia in the 1990s.

The ‘old Australia’ based off traditional values and attitudes of the 1950s in Australia is embodied in the characters Hilary and the sisters’ father; Wal. He paints an image of the stereo-typical Australian where the relaxed lifestyle, alcoholism and mateship are large aspects. Speaking in informal Australian English dialect “Yeah, s’ppose so, Bloody long time to be cooped up in one of those things”, it shows Wal’s laid back nature and lack of intellectualism calling the aeroplane ‘one of those things’. A relaxed nature and lack of intellectualism or appreciation of intellect is reflective of Australian culture from the