Cosi - Louis Nowra Essay Example

Cosi by Louis Nowra conveys significant ideas about human nature. Through the play Cosi, the audience witnesses the lives of mentally ill people unfold before them. Central characters Lewis, Doug and Julie each show and express a different view upon the world and work towards their own idea of reality. They each express their individual ideas of the norm and work together to escape reality. Many themes such as love and infidelity as well as change are conveyed throughout the play.

Cosi is a comic play written by Australian playwright, Louis Nowra. An interesting feature of the play is the use of the 'play within a play' device, which gives the play a distinctive quality. This allows the issues and concerns of the play to be reflected and commented upon in he other play as both plays are juxtaposed. The themes of "Cosi Fan Tutte" deal with love, sex and fidelity are illustrated and commented upon in the modern context as seen through Henry's emotive language "Free love, women are not to be trusted" His opinion is generated through various experiences and general knowledge. The theme of love and fidelity causes controversy as the characters have different opinions which differ from each other.

One of the main themes in Cosi, is the central idea of personal growth. All characters experience growth, however, Lewis' personal growth is the most significant as his simple dialogue states "no one can sing" exemplifying his negatively towards the patients. This is juxtaposed to his dialogue. "This comes first" when Lewis begins to see the play as his top prority. His transformation is outlined through Lucy's dialogue "Working with these people has changed you." showing Lucy's thoughts concering Lewis. Lewis' inner journey has provided him with a new understanding of not only himself but the world around him.

Lewis is the protagonist of the play. To begin with, Lewis lacks confidence; the stage directions describe him as “not knowing what to say,” and talking