Analysis of The Shifting Heart, by Richard Beynon
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 1950 's that Beynon perceives to be true. 1st published in 1960. Set in 1956. NUTSHELL-
1. Not accepting of other cultures; Abuse against 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.
-Page 95 Australian citizenship Certificate shows the belief 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 dance hall show that he is not accepted, as well as Barry shoving in the way in line "He tries to put his load straight on the scales- before us, so I told him..." Clarry: "You shouldn 'ta told him (page 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 he 's Australian, or..." and then continues on page 35 "Maria. Italian? (Pressing hard) What if he 's... between the two?"
2. The play explores the systemic racism that exists within Australian society and portrays the justice system as corrupt and discriminatory
-Throughout the play it is evident that racism is widespread and commonly used, with the people supporting immigrants being 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
1. Not accepting of other cultures; Abuse against 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.
-Page 95 Australian citizenship Certificate shows the belief 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 dance hall show that he is not accepted, as well as Barry shoving in the way in line "He tries to put his load straight on the scales- before us, so I told him..." Clarry: "You shouldn 'ta told him (page 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 he 's Australian, or..." and then continues on page 35 "Maria. Italian? (Pressing hard) What if he 's... between the two?"
2. The play explores the systemic racism that exists within Australian society and portrays the justice system as corrupt and discriminatory
-Throughout the play it is evident that racism is widespread and commonly used, with the people supporting immigrants being 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