Choose a play in which a central concern is clarified by the contrast between two characters.
Discuss how the dramatist’s presentation of the contrast between the two characters adds to your understanding of this central concern.
Para 1
– Chris and Joe
– Opposition of capitalism/ socialism?
– Joe believes making money by any means is acceptable
– Chris believes we have a duty to one another
– Chris is a more sympathetic character
– Joe might have killed his own son
Para 2
– Chris and Joe’s attitude to Kate
– Joe makes her complicit in his crimes
– Chris wants the truth
– Kate is a deluded figure
– Audience sees her as not in touch with reality
Para 3
– Chris and Joe’s attitudes to the cylinder heads incident
– Joe believes he was doing something noble
– Chris believes it is morally wrong
– Reveals the contrasting attitudes to society
Para 4
– Chris and Joe’s attitude to the truth at the end
– Joe takes the easy way out
– Chris believes he must live
– Joe’s “responsibility” is questionable
– Chris forces his mother to accept the changes
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