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Read the front page of the local newspaper, The Daily Gossip, which relates to Missing and then answer the questions that follow - NSC Dramatic Arts - Question 7 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 7
Read the front page of the local newspaper, The Daily Gossip, which relates to Missing and then answer the questions that follow. 7.1.1 Suggest why the name of the ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read the front page of the local newspaper, The Daily Gossip, which relates to Missing and then answer the questions that follow - NSC Dramatic Arts - Question 7 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
7.1.1 Suggest why the name of the newspaper is a good choice by referring to the play text.
Answer
The name 'The Daily Gossip' is appropriate because it reflects the nature of the community depicted in the play, where secrets and rumors circulate among the townspeople. In the context of 'Missing', the ongoing discussions about Meisie's disappearance are rife with speculation, which the title captures well. Additionally, the play’s exploration of how gossip affects relationships mirrors the newspaper's focus on sensational stories.
Step 2
7.1.2 Suggest a date you would add to the front page of the newspaper.
Answer
I would add the date '1 September'. This is significant as it aligns with the timeline in the play where Meisie goes missing, highlighting the urgency and establishing a context for the events that unfold thereafter.
Step 3
7.1.3 Explain the different possible meanings of the title of the play.
Answer
The title 'Missing' can be interpreted in several ways. Firstly, it signifies the literal disappearance of Meisie, which drives the action of the play. Secondly, it can refer to the emotional and relational voids experienced by characters, such as the absence of a father figure in Meisie's life. Lastly, 'Missing' also hints at themes of unfulfilled desires or aspirations within the community, reflecting broader societal concerns.
Step 4
7.2 Write a character sketch of Constable, who may be 'wanted' for the kidnapping of Meisie.
Answer
Constable is portrayed as a complex character. On one hand, he is charming and sociable, able to engage well with others. His willingness to help reflects a sense of community spirit, yet there is an undercurrent of suspicion surrounding him. He exhibits a manipulative side, exploiting the vulnerabilities of other characters to achieve his own goals. The way he interacts with the women in the play suggests both trust and a subtle threat, creating a character who embodies the tension between safety and danger.
Step 5
7.3 Suggest why the women in the play allow a man, who is a total stranger, to enter the house.
Answer
The women allow Constable, a stranger, to enter due to a combination of trust and desperation. Their adherence to patriarchal norms facilitates their reliance on male authority figures for protection. Additionally, Constable’s charm and façade of helpfulness disarm their suspicions, making them more likely to accept his presence, despite the potential risks involved.
Step 6
7.4 Advise an actor, who wants to play the role of Constable in the play, on how to portray the character on stage in a convincing manner.
Answer
To portray Constable effectively, the actor should emphasize his dual nature. Starting with a confident stance that exudes charm, the actor can manipulate their facial expressions to switch from warmth to a more sinister edge as needed. Voice modulation will be crucial; using softer tones during flattering interactions contrasts sharply with a harsher tone when direct authority is asserted. Observing and mimicking social cues will also help in creating a believable character who navigates complex social dynamics.
Step 7
7.5 Explain how the effects of the Great Depression are highlighted in the play text as a whole.
Answer
The Great Depression is reflected in the characters' struggles, both economically and emotionally. Their desperation drives decisions that highlight the harsh realities of survival, forcing them into extreme actions. This context amplifies the play's tension, making personal relationships fraught with anxiety and competition for limited resources, which is vividly illustrated through the character interactions and the overarching narrative.
Step 8
7.6 Name and motivate ONE other product that you could advertise in the newspaper.
Answer
I would advertise 'Doom', a product that symbolizes despair. The desperation of the community may lead them to seek out distractions, and advertising 'Doom' could appeal to their need to process grief and fear through entertainment.
Step 9
7.7 Discuss the importance of the circus as the main symbol in the play.
Answer
The circus serves as a multifaceted symbol within the play. It represents the escapism that characters seek from their grim realities, juxtaposed against the harshness of their lives during the Great Depression. The mysterious and magical aspects of the circus highlight the characters' longing for relief and joy, while also exposing the absurdities of their situations. More broadly, it embodies themes of unpredictability and chaos, which resonate throughout the narrative.