Reviewing and discussing: Plays about outsiders | Year 7 English (Cambridge) PDF Download

Introduction

Plays about outsiders explore themes of alienation and exclusion. These plays often center on characters who feel isolated or marginalized from society, providing a lens through which we can understand various societal issues.

Main Theme: Alienation and Exclusion

• The primary theme in plays about outsiders is alienation and exclusion. 
• Characters in these plays often feel disconnected from those around them due to differences in race, gender, social status, or personal beliefs. 
• This theme helps audiences reflect on their own perceptions of inclusion and belonging.

Understanding the Term "Outsider"

• In this context, an "outsider" refers to a character who feels excluded or different from others. 
• These characters do not fit into the mainstream society depicted in the play and often struggle with their identity and place in the world.

Example: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

• A famous example of a play about outsiders is "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton. 
• This story, often adapted into plays, revolves around teenagers who feel like outsiders in their community. It highlights the conflicts between different social groups and the personal struggles of feeling like an outsider.

Societal Issues

• Plays about outsiders contribute to understanding societal issues by challenging stereotypes. 
• They provoke thought and discussion about prejudice, identity, and belonging, encouraging audiences to question their assumptions and biases.

Literary Devices: Irony

• Irony is often used in plays about outsiders to emphasize the characters' struggles. 
• It highlights the contrast between how characters perceive themselves and how society views them, adding depth to the narrative.

Role of Minor Characters

• Minor characters in these plays often offer support or opposition to the protagonist. They play crucial roles in influencing the protagonist's journey and highlight different perspectives on being an outsider. 
• For instance, in "The Outsiders," characters like Johnny and Ponyboy support each other, showcasing different facets of their shared outsider status.

Creating Empathy

• Playwrights create empathy for outsiders by emphasizing their weaknesses and failures. This approach makes the characters more relatable and humanizes their experiences. 
• For example, in "The Outsiders," Ponyboy's struggles with family and identity make him a sympathetic character.

Significance of Setting

• The setting in plays about outsiders often reflects the characters' social status. It mirrors the isolation or inclusion experienced by the outsiders, adding another layer to the narrative. 
• For example, the urban setting in "The Outsiders" underscores the social divides between different groups.

Conflict and Plot Development

• Conflicts in these plays escalate tensions and challenges, driving the storyline. These conflicts reveal the complexities of the characters' struggles as outsiders and contribute to the overall development of the plot. 
• For instance, the clashes between the Socs and the Greasers in "The Outsiders" highlight the deep-seated issues of class and identity.

Common Themes

• Identity and Belonging: Explores how characters understand themselves and their place in society.
• Acceptance and Rejection: Highlights the emotional impact of being accepted or rejected by others.
• Power Dynamics and Social Hierarchy: Examines how social structures and power relationships affect individuals.

Conclusion

Plays about outsiders offer valuable insights into the human experience of alienation and exclusion. Through compelling characters and thought-provoking themes, these plays challenge audiences to consider their own views on identity, belonging, and societal norms.