The play away by Michael Gow is a story of three Australian families going on holidays. It is set in the summer of 1967-68 during Christmas and the New Year. There are many sub-themes in away such as death/loss, change, moving on with life, and forgiveness.
The theme of death/ loss is displayed when we find out about Roy and Corals son who was killed in Vietnam. Coral constantly brings up the theme when she says, “I’ll be silent on all controversial topics. Will that do? I wont bring up anything worrying. Death, war, loss-.” This theme is carried over to Tom when we find out about his terminal illness when he has a conversation with Meg and says, “ So how bout it? Help me. I’m going to get sick again and I wont get better. Your parents won’t find out.” Even when Harry is talking to Jim death reveals itself throughout the duration of the conversation. The actual title has a hidden message of death. Away: passing away. …show more content…
This scene between tom and coral also shows change or