On the waterfront scene analysis

On the Waterfront: Charley and Terry scene analysis

Unfortunately this clip doesn't show the taxi driver at the end of the scene moving ominously into the frame; he obscures Charley and eliminates him as an authority figure.

Watch the scene and answer the following questions:

1. How are Charley and Terry depicted at the beginning of the scene?
2. How does the mise-en-scene (set, lighting, blocking etc) affect our understanding of this scene?
3. When and how does the sound change (the musical score)? How does this amplify the emotion?
3. How is the tenderness and love between the brothers shown?
4. Describe the moral choice that Charley is faced with:
5. How is Charley's internal conflict portrayed?
6. How does Charley obtain redemption for his past?
7. In what way is this scene a "confessional" between the two brothers?

Kayo Dugan's "Last Rites" scene analysis

This scene is pivotal; it marks the awakening of Terry Malloy's conscience and Father Barry's call to arms:

Father Barry is established as key to achieving justice on the waterfront, and instrumental in empowering Terry. Although Father Barry's character is downplayed in the film, the screenplay originally had this powerful orator at the centre of the story. Kazan's inclusion of Father Barry's momentous speeches show his latent strength and allude to Christ's motivational power. Just as Christ spoke boldly despite opposition, so too Father Barry speaks undeterred by taunts, threats and physical abuse. This scene signals a turning point in the film; while Friendly's mob enforcers are clearly depicted in a position of authority, Father Barry ascends to their level in the final moments of the scene. Below in the hold, the longshoremen are deeply affected by his words. Terry is motivated to absolve his guilt and fight for justice. In this scene, Father Barry is literally the moral voice - he verbalises Terry's awakening conscience.

While you watch, please answer the following questions:

1. What is the (biblical) significance of a crucifixion?
2. What is implied by the camera angles on:
a) Father Barry
b) the longshoremen
c) the mob (Charley)
3. How are we made to understand that the longshoremen are ultimately responsible for the corruption that continues to exist on the waterfront? (Refer to Father Barry's words, and to film technique.)
4. Father Barry asks: "How does Christ who spoke up without fear against every evil feel about your silence." Analyse Terry's reaction.
5.  Father Barry states: "Only you... have the power to knock them out for good." The camera cuts to the longshoremen and to Terry. What do the camera angles indicate?

ON THE WATERFRONT

1. 'On the Waterfront reveals the powerlessness of the individual against a corrupt ruling group.' Do you agree?

2. 'It is Terry's anger that leads him to testify against Johnny Friendly, not his newly awakened conscience.' Discuss.

3.'The poverty of the dock workers' lives is portrayed effecctively in the film's cinematography.' Discuss.

4. 'On the Waterfront suggests that most people prefer security to justice.' Discuss.

5. 'The film suggests that love is a powerful influence for good.' Do you agree?

6. 'The film presents clear-cut heroes and villains and a black-and-white view of morality that lacks subtlety.' Do you agree?

7. 'On the Waterfront tells us that we need the support of otehrs in order to act bravely.' Do you agree?

8. 'Although Terry complains that he "coulda been somebody", he finally does become somebody worthy of our admiration.' Discuss.

9. "What's ratting for them is telling the truth for you." The film suggests that loyalty is not always a virtue. Discuss.

10. 'On the Waterfront presents a powerful argument that all human beings should be treated with dignity.' Discuss.

11. 'On the Waterfront is the story of Terry's journey to heroism.' Discuss.

sample essay on darkness and isolation in Maestro

In Maestro darkness is used to represent Keller's all-consuming past and his attempts to isolate himself from society. While the imagery of the "brilliant furnace of the rising sun" suggests that every day offers possibilities, Keller's future is "ruddered" by the "clouds" of his past. His life, like the sky "slowly thickens" with grief and regret and he is unable to see the future that could be possible in Darwin. While others in the community have windows and doors "open to maximum aperture" and open their lives both literally and figuratively to the environment, Keller keeps his louvres "tightly shut". As the narrative unfurls, Paul is admitted to the "monastery" above The Swan for more than the obligatory piano lessons. In their final meeting, light "glinted" from the "open door" symbolising Keller's growing hope however Paul only sees the "dark shuttered room", not the "confessional" that he discerns with hindsight. Goldsworthy's use of imagery powerfully portrays the idea of a sinner seeking forgiveness in a dark, private confessional. Indeed, Keller uses the darkness both to hide from his past, and to deny his future however it is Paul who is truly in darkness, unable to "recognise the scene" for what it was.

sample essay on perfection in MAESTRO

Paul's search for perfection is evident in the way he recalls his performances throughout the 'memoir'. When he plays for Henisch he gives his "finest performance". It was a performance requiring "intellectual" and "technical" ability however his focus on perfection, his determination to be "technically flawless" prevents Paul from accessing the emotional side to the music. Ultimately we see that Paul is unable to play with "more rubato" which limits his ability to achieve true greatness. Similarly, Paul's descriptions of prior performances and lessons focus with "tunnel vision" on the skills and abilities he demonstrated. His quest for perfection seemed to "paralyse" and then to "infuriate". This is in part due to Keller's way of teaching that "music is a kind of arithmetic" and Paul's own cripppling pride.

MAESTRO ESSAY TOPICS

In learning about the ‘maestro’, Paul also learns about himself. Discuss.

Neither Keller nor Paul is an entirely admirable character. Discuss.

The text shows that guilt is the most powerful factor in determining the choices we make in life. Discuss.

‘I belonged to Keller’s school, in the broad sense.’ p.127 This reveals as much about Paul as it does about Keller. Discuss.

Maestro is ultimately an optimistic book, which suggests that personal growth can arise out of disappointment. Discuss.

Even by the end of the novel, Paul fails to completely understand Keller. Discuss.

A strong sense of place is common to the characters in Maestro. Discuss.

While the driven and self-centred Paul is not especially likeable, he is still able to command the reader’s sympathy. Discuss.

While Rosie Zollo is depicted as a positive character, the female characters in Maestro are completely subordinated to the needs of the men around them. Discuss.

Paul the adult is much more likeable than Paul the adolescent. To what extent do you agree?

Looking back Paul reflects that Keller was the worst possible teacher for him. To what extent do you agree?

At the end of the narrative, Paul calls Keller a ‘great man’. To what extent do you agree?

The world the novel presents is not a kind place. To what extent do you agree?

Keller teaches Paul far more about life that he ever does about music. To what extent do you agree?

Maestro illustrates the impossibility of escaping the past. To what extent do you agree?

To what extent has Paul learnt the lessons Keller wished to impart by the end of the novel?

This novel is about contrasting people and places. To what extent is this an accurate description of the novel?

The novel is about a boy and his music lessons. How accurately does this sum up the concerns of the novel, Maestro?

In exploring the gap between talent and genius the novel appears to endorse the Australian saying that ‘near enough is good enough’. What point do you think the writer makes?

‘That last “littleness” was impossible to bridge.’ The novel shows that the search for perfection is a foolish one ending in despair. Is that the message of the novel?

Paul’s indulgent parents are ultimately responsible for his obsessive nature, and ultimately his unhappiness. Do you agree?

Follow these 6 simple steps to Language Analysis Success!

Many feel daunted by this task... and my traumatic incident with the chickens puts me in this category too... 
But Language Analysis is the area in which you can really have the confidence that you will succeed.

Step 1
Always start reading with a pen and highlighter in your hand and note paper by your side.

Step 2
Take a moment to look at the features. What catches your eye? What do the images say to you? Briefly read it through. Jot down your reactions as a reader.

Step 3
Read through a second time, highlighting techniques and making notes in the margin.
** Identify what the message is, how it is expressed, why it has been included.

Step 4
On your note paper identify TADS (title, author, date, source), the contention and intention of the author and the  3 WHO's (whose point of view is presented? who would share this view? who is the intended audience?)

Step 5
Describe the headlines, images, layout, and the evolution of the tone.
** The tone is not static; it will change throughout the piece. It may be useful to have a highlighter colour set aside exclusively for identifying the tone througout.

Step 6
Consider the effect of the piece on you as a reader, but also on the other potential audiences that may exist or be specifically targeted by the writer.
Your analysis of how the writer has positioned the target audience (be specific!) as well as other potential readers (be specific!) should be present throughout your piece.

Expository Writing Ideas

Write a biography of one the characters in A Streetcar Named Desire. For example, you could write one based on Stanley and talk of how his ambitions in the 'New America' were realised. Or you could write one based on Blanche outlining her apparent demise.

Write a feature article which explores the notion of how women depend on their looks more than men. You can use the example of Blanche as a classic character from literature and then include modern day examples and examine the pressure placed upon women to be attractive to men and society.

Write a feature article exploring the idea that women are lauded for being chaste but condemned for being sexually active out of wedlock. The classic character of Blanche can be used as an illustration of this and could then be compared to contemporary social mores.

What you should do:

1. Plan 2 of these writing tasks.
2. Write the commentary for 1 of them.

Don't forget to keep all your Context notes, drafts and completed pieces in your folder for future revision reference!

Imaginative Writing Ideas

• Write a monologue with Blanche expressing her feelings after Mitch ‘dumped’ her. The style should be stream of consciousness with Blanche sounding confused and desperate. The character chosen can be based on Blanche but mirrors her state of mind.
  
• Write a scene where there is a group of men playing cards and drinking. This is based on Stanley and his mates. They act in a chauvinistic manner and generally deride women. The inspiration for this talk is Stanley’s growing frustration with Blanche’s presence in the house. The language should be colloquial which would be characteristic of the sort of language they can use.
• Write an exchange between a psychiatrist and a nurse from a mental health facility. The nurse is reporting to the psychiatrist regarding the progress of a character based on Blanche. The psychiatrist also tells the nurse of some of his observations in respect of the file he has on this character.
• Write a personal piece from the perspective of Tennessee Williams, reflecting on his life and experiences as inspiration for A Streetcar Named Desire.

What you should do:

1. Plan your approach to 2 or 3 of these ideas.
2. Write the Statement of Intention/Written Commentary for 1 of  them.