Analysis of The Shifting Heart, by Richard Beynon Essay

Thesis In The Shifting Heart, the playwright Richard Beynon conveys ideas and representations of Australian identity through the use of narrative techniques, especially dialogue and characterisation. Each character represents an aspect of Australian society in the 1950s that Beynon perceives to be true. 1st published in 1960. Set in 1956. NUTSHELL-1. non accepting of other cultures Abuse a furtherst Gino and failed assimilation halfway between identities. Cultural heritage is important in establishing identity -Through the characterisation of Gino, Beynon shows the rejection of Australians towards immigrants and other cultures. - scallywag 95 Australian citizenship Certificate shows the public opinion Gino had that he had been accepted into Australian society. Momma This we gotta put in a frame, he says. It means something to him. Constant beatings he receives at the dancing hall show that he is not accepted, as well as Barry shoving in the way in line He tries to put his load str aight on the scales- before us, so I told him Clarry You shouldnta told him ( varletboy 27). Eventual death of Gino via the beatings shows the extreme racism and prejudice in Australia during the time of production. -Assimilation is encouraged to fit in-He tried to assimilate into Australian society, Pg 34 Clarry. If hes Australian, or and then continues on rascal 35 Maria. Italian? (Pressing hard) What if hes between the two?2. The play explores the systemic racism that exists inwardly Australian society and portrays the justice system as asymmetrical and discriminatory -Throughout the play it is evident that racism is widespread and commonly used, with the people supporting immigrants organism the minority. -After the death of Gino, it is evident that the law system is corrupt and that racism is systemic. -Detective Lukie- Boss is looking to promote him if he successfully pins the fight on the dead Gino. Page 69 rank is Detective sergeant (high ranking). Corrupt- makes assumpt ions, takes one side of the story of the Australian, All I receive are the facts, page 73.Biased and racist Witness girl saw it all unfold page 96 the girl Gino was fall ining on Italians side Lukie And we found a girl, too arranged to meet him in the foyer. Saw most of it happen, she says- Police still confident Gino wasto blame -Page 97 Clarry Why the swap of face, eh? After promotion? Lukie Im happy. (Pause.) But i got a boss with ambitions. Clarry talking to Lukie more or less Momma going to inquest She remembers, she forgets what the hell difference will it make? Knows whatever happens Gino will be declared guilty of drunken violence3. A societies attitudes towards a minority race can be changed when they gain a greater understanding of the people aligned with that race rather than basing their judgment on stereotypes Reflects upon the belief that racism is taught rather than inherited or natural Clarry represents this thesis, connotations of the title refer to him -Repr esented as a emblematic Aussie bloke, ie could obviously manage without help in a fight, page 20. In reference to Barry, the moment metal collector who pushes in line in front of Gino, Clarry reasons that Because hes an older man, thats why. He was in this game before you were even in this country. Rugged man of 36, page 20 Start of the novel Clarry loves Maria but doesnt want to be acknowledged as being related to Bianchis. Maria when hes introduced Gino to people, but never once did he call him his brother-in-law page 77 He isnt violent but he still has aspects of racism Refer to intercourse with Lukie about Gino being guilty, he sticks up for them Challenges authority figures and calls their kid GinoBut last night-it clicked for me. I dunno I felt sort of approximate stereotype emotion, shows side4. Alcohol is needed to have a good time and celebrate (Clarry and Donny) and the violence etc from it (misusing alcohol) -Donny Pratt Represents alcoholism in Australia. (Leila bur sts from the house with a ottle of beer and glasses) Here quick, to stiff its head. Clarry (And he wrenches the top from a bottle.) Here, Pop, grab yourself a lifeboat and hop inta that, page 48. Reference to getting drunk, farewell of Aussie lifestyle. He is working class. Expresses the overlooking of domestic violence at the time. How can I a stimulate you if I dont remember? Page 88 Naturalised violence.