DNA: Themes

Key Themes

1. Peer Pressure
2. Bullying and Violence
3. Guilt and Responsibility
4. Moral Ambiguity

Peer Pressure

DNA examines how peer pressure and groupthink can influence individuals to make poor decisions. The play illustrates how the group of teenagers, fearing rejection, go along with dangerous plans without questioning them. This theme highlights the dangers of losing individual judgment in favour of following the group.

Key examples:

• Phil's Leadership: Phil, despite being mostly silent, controls the group with his plans to cover up Adam's death. The others follow him, not because they believe it's right, but because they fear standing out or facing consequences.

Quote: "We'll throw rocks at you until you drop through. You'll drop through. You'll fall into the cold. Into the dark." – Phil's threat to Brian demonstrates how he uses fear to control the group.

• Brian's Reluctance: Brian's initial hesitation to lie to the police demonstrates his inner conflict. However, he eventually gives in, showing how strong the pressure to conform can be.

Quote: "I think we should tell someone." – Brian expresses his doubt, but his voice is drowned out by the group's pressure to stay silent.

Bullying and Violence

Bullying is a central theme in DNA, where the play shows how small acts of cruelty can escalate into serious violence. The characters' treatment of Adam, which begins as teasing and ends in tragedy, highlights the consequences of unchecked bullying.

Key examples:

• Adam's Treatment: Adam is bullied by his peers, and this bullying escalates until it leads to his supposed death. This shows how easily bullying can spiral out of control when it is not addressed.

Quote: "And we're all just… really chucking these stones at him, really hard and laughing, and he slips. And he drops." – Mark recounts the moment when the bullying escalated to a fatal level.

• The Group's Reaction: After believing they have killed Adam, the group focuses on covering up their actions rather than feeling remorse. This lack of empathy underscores the desensitisation that can occur in a culture of bullying.

Quote: "He's dead, everyone thinks he's dead. What difference will it make?" – Phil justifies his cold decision to kill Adam, showing the group's detachment from reality.

Guilt and Responsibility

Guilt and responsibility are key themes in DNA, as the characters struggle with the consequences of their actions. The play explores how different characters deal with guilt, and how avoiding responsibility can lead to further harm.

Key examples:

• Leah's Conscience: Leah is troubled by what has happened to Adam and feels guilty about her involvement. Her decision to eventually leave the group shows how guilt can lead someone to seek redemption.

Quote: "We're in trouble now, aren't we?" – Leah's early realisation of the group's moral downfall as they start covering up Adam's death.

• Brian's Breakdown: Brian is overwhelmed by guilt, leading to a mental breakdown. This illustrates the heavy toll that guilt can take when it is not confronted.

Quote: "That's disgusting!" – Brian's reaction after eating dirt symbolises his complete breakdown and the overwhelming guilt he feels.

Moral Ambiguity

DNA explores the complexity of moral decisions, where the lines between right and wrong are often blurred. The characters face difficult choices, and the play raises questions about morality and ethics in situations where there are no easy answers.

Key examples:

• Phil's Calculations: Phil's decisions to cover up Adam's death and later to ensure he is killed when found alive show the lengths someone might go to protect themselves. This challenges the idea of clear moral choices.

Quote: "What difference will it make? He's dead, everyone thinks he's dead." – Phil's justification for his actions highlights the blurred line between right and wrong.

• The Group's Compliance: The group's willingness to follow Phil's plans, despite knowing they are wrong, highlights how difficult it can be to make ethical decisions under pressure.

Quote: "You just do what Cathy says." – Brian's acceptance of Phil's orders shows the moral ambiguity in their decisions and the ease of falling into unethical actions.