How Does Williamson Create Tension In The Play
The play, After the Ball by David Williamson, is primarily about the disappointments and realities that test a suburban Australian family in a time of mystifying social revolution. Much of the dramatic action within the play derives from misunderstandings between characters and their opposing beliefs about what it means to be Australian. These differing beliefs lead to tension of relationships between the characters Stephen, Judy and Ron. The conflicts and dilemmas within these relationships lead to Stephen's progression to enlightenment. This action can be analysed through the elements of drama. However for the purposes of this essay, the focus will be on the human context and tension, and how they worked together to create the whole experience
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JUDY: He treated her as if she was stupid. Which she wasn't.
This excerpt comes from a scene early on the play; and it is in this scene that it is made explicit that much of Stephen and Judy's conflict stems from, and is a reflection of, the tension of conflict that existed between their parents.
Furthermore, it is the tension of conflict that prevents the characters from sharing moments of true intimacy. During a scene in Act One, Stephen tries to reveal to Judy some of the lowest points in his adolescence. However, neither can move beyond their contradicting beliefs about the relationship their parents shared; and inevitably begin arguing. Therefore, the characters cannot share intimate moments because of their misunderstanding of each other's beliefs, which then leads to conflict.
However, when Stephen and Judy are forced to share an intimate moment, brought about by the death of their mother, it leads to dilemma rather than conflict. The dilemma relates directly to whether Stephen should stay in Australia, with his own "tribe", or return to Europe and his seemingly perfect life . The death of their mother brought Stephen and Judy together which, after much conflict, forced them to share an intimate moment and led to Stephens's
JUDY: He treated her as if she was stupid. Which she wasn't.
This excerpt comes from a scene early on the play; and it is in this scene that it is made explicit that much of Stephen and Judy's conflict stems from, and is a reflection of, the tension of conflict that existed between their parents.
Furthermore, it is the tension of conflict that prevents the characters from sharing moments of true intimacy. During a scene in Act One, Stephen tries to reveal to Judy some of the lowest points in his adolescence. However, neither can move beyond their contradicting beliefs about the relationship their parents shared; and inevitably begin arguing. Therefore, the characters cannot share intimate moments because of their misunderstanding of each other's beliefs, which then leads to conflict.
However, when Stephen and Judy are forced to share an intimate moment, brought about by the death of their mother, it leads to dilemma rather than conflict. The dilemma relates directly to whether Stephen should stay in Australia, with his own "tribe", or return to Europe and his seemingly perfect life . The death of their mother brought Stephen and Judy together which, after much conflict, forced them to share an intimate moment and led to Stephens's