Cosi - English help.

[ElHadiio]

hey guys, i really need some help.

How is a sense of isolation that the inmates and Lewis have been retrated and been cut off conveyed by Nowra? In what ways?

(also what does retrated mean?)

I've been stuck on this one question for a while and honestly don't know what to write. My answer only needs to be a short paragraph but i don't even want that i just need somewhere to start like a dot point or something.
Any help would be much appreciated.

[ElHadiio]

oh i think its supposed to be retracted
typo on the sheet probably...

[saaaaaam]

To answer that question I'd be considering the way Justin the social worker treats the mental patients. Do you think he is demeaning? Why/why not?

I'd be looking at the set (or the description in the stage directions). Does it give a sense of isolation from the outside world? How?

Another thing you could try is comparing the social/political views of those inside the asylum (particularly Henry, Roy, Cherry and Ruth) to those outside (Nick/Lucy). How do they differ? Do you think having been isolated by society that the mental patients' views are outdated? (I'm not necessarily saying they are, that's something for you to decide!)

Finally, look at the way the Australian society of the 70s were treating the mentally ill. They isolated them in asylums and treated them poorly. There's lots of evidence in the play to support this. Many of the 'professionals' didn't know what they were doing. Even the average Australian was treating them badly, for example Nick. He makes his dislike for them clear at many times.

That's probably a good starting point. I must say, the question from the sheet was very oddly phrased! Or maybe I'm just tired...

edit: typos.

[ElHadiio]

As in how Justin belittles them? if so that doesn't necessarily mean they are being isolated

AND THANK YOU about Nick do i use the quote where he sings that little song? Can't remember it off the top of my head.
I think i was supposed to add that the sheet we got that question on was titled Act 1 scene1 does that mean i have to answer using only evidence from there?
^
probably a stupid question.. :S

and yeah i thought it was worded weird too...

[saaaaaam]

Justin is treating them differently to the 'normal' people when he belittles them. So I see that as isolating them.

You mentioned the quote Nick used ("they're coming to take me away ha ha to the funny farm"). It's a really good one.

If the sheet says Act 1, Scene 1 then yes, you probably should stick to that scene. In that case I'd focus on the set and lighting. Notice how the set is dark and run down and how when Lewis enters so too does a 'chink of light'. Here the darkness could be the insanity and the light being the outside world/love/help entering the asylum. So the division and isolation is beginning to disappear.

[ElHadiio]

YEAH thats the one thank you
yeah i picked up on that too...
i'd give you karma but im still new to this so i dont know how lol sorry

[saaaaaam]

Oh LOL, don't worry about it. I think you have to have 50 posts or something like that in order to give karma.

I'd just be happy if what I've said has helped in some way.

I still have my own personal Cosi notes from last year, I could send them to you if you think they'd help?

[cohen]

Is there any way you could send the cosi notes to me?

[saaaaaam]

Yeah sure.

For anyone who wants it PM me your email address.

[ElHadiio]

oh yes i'd like them thanks