Comparing Settings of The Dressmaker vs Crucible PDF

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The Crucible vs Dressmaker: restrictive society 45+ ss...

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COMPARING SETTINGS Before beginning, it is important to remember we will compare the texts via the main ideas and themes present within them. Characters, plot, structure, style and language are all vehicles used by writers to explore the ideas and themes that interest them. In order to understand all of these aspects of the texts, it is important to have a firm grasp on their settings. They are the foundation of the worlds created by the writers. You can divide setting into two broad categories- physical and social. Consider how each influences the characters and events of the texts. Consider what changes due to the events of the texts. Physical   

The layout and make-up of the towns The landscape surrounding the towns Other close towns

Social    

The belief systems underpin the societies depicted. Consider religion, class, gender roles etc. The power structures are present. Both official and social. The social contacts the individuals abide by. The time period the text is set in. How do the societies differ from our own? What are the expectations placed on the people living within them? Both authors chose to set their narratives in the past, why?

On the following pages there are a series of extracts and quotes to use as a basis for comparison. You will need to find the relevant sections in your texts and you may wish to refer to other parts of the texts as you write up your responses. For each set of extracts, you should identify similarities and differences then write up at least one comparative paragraph. Please note, these paragraphs will not look exactly like the ones you will write in your comparative essays. Those paragraphs must begin with topic sentences which explicitly refer to the themes and ideas present in the given essay topic. For now though, the paragraphs you will write here are good to practise with. You may also add to these notes by considering other elements of setting not included, such as, various places within the towns.

Physical Setting- The Surrounding Landscape The Crucible The edge of the wilderness was close by. The American continent stretched endlessly west, and it was full of mystery for them. It stood, dark and threatening, over their shoulders night and day, for out of it Indian tribes marauded from time to time, and Reverend Parris had parishioners who had lost relatives to these heathen. The parochial snobbery of these people was partly responsible for their failure to convert the Indians. Probably they also preferred to take land from heathens rather than from fellow Christians. At any rate, very few Indians were converted, and the Salem folk believed that the virgin forest was Devil’s last preserve, his home base and the citadel of his final stand. To the best of their knowledge the American forest was the last place on earth that was not playing homage to God. 14 & 15 Parris: Abominations are done in the forest- 19 Abigail: I saw Indians smash my dear parents’ heads on the pillow next to mine, and I have seen some reddish work done at night, and I can make you wish you had never seen the sun go down! 27

The Dressmaker Travellers crossing the wheat-yellow plains to Dungatar would first notice a dark blot shimmering at the edge of the flatness. Further down the asphalt, the shape would emerge as a hill. One top of The Hill sat a shabby brown weatherboard, leaning provocatively on the grassy curve. It looked as if it was about to careen down, but was roped to a solid chimney by thick-limbed wisteria. When passengers approaching Dungatar by train felt the carriage warp around the slow southward curve, they glanced up through the window and saw the tumbling brown house. At night, light from the house could be seen from the surrounding plains- a shaky beacon in a vast, black sea, winking from the home of Mad Molly. As the sun set, The Hill cast a shadow over the town that stretched as far as the silos. 1 When the engines arrive children come to watch and play at the silo. Trains roll up pulling empty trucks to be filled with wheat, while others come from Winyerp and are already filled with sorghum. Winyerp sits smugly to the north of Dungatar in the middle of an undulating brown blanket of acres and acres of sorghum. The farms around Dungatar are golden seas of wheat, which are stripped, the header spewing the grain into semitrailers. The semis transport the grain and pour it into the silo. When the mountains of wheat are dry, a huge auger is plunged into their hearts and grain is spiralled up, then spilled onto a conveyor belt which takes it to the loading dock where it’s poured into an empty rail truck, filling it to the top with the yellow grain. In the heat of the day, suffocating wheat dust clouds the silo. The grain trucks are left standing close by, waiting, until the engines roll into place and they are coupled and herded and attached to the end of the line of sorghum-filled trucks. Eventually the engines tow them away, brimming with dusty gold and brown seed, away from the vast grain belt where the sun shines most of the year and rain is too often scarce. The engines will stop again and again at silos and sidings to take on fuel or more grain trucks, dragging them to a distant port. Passengers in cars stopped at railway crossings to count up to fifty trucks rumbling past. The wheat will become flour or perhaps it will sail to overseas lands. The famous Winyerp sorghum will become stock fodder. The town will be quiet again and the children will go back to the creek to play. The adults will wait for football, season. The cycle was familiar to Tilly, a map. 126-127

Example response

Similarities Salem and Dungatar are quite isolated with only a few other small towns nearby

Differences Salem is surrounded by forest where Dungatar is surrounded by farmland The population of Salem fear the forest and the violent threat of Native Americans. While there is rivalry between Dungatar and Winyerp, there is no such hostility. Salem is part of an early colony in America where Dungatar is an established town. Although both colonial settings, significant difference in time setting. Salem and its surrounds are described as dark whereas Dungatar and surrounds are described as bright. Represents how characters feel about the settings but the difference in climate is also a factor. Dungatar is linked to other towns and cities via rail but Salem is more cut off.

While both Salem and Dungatar are isolated communities, there are stark differences in the way their populations feel about the surrounding landscape and the manner in which they are described. Salem’s neighbouring forest is seen as the ‘Devil’s last preserve’ where ‘abominations are done.’ To some it represents the edge of the Puritan’s conquest and rule while to others it is a place to escape the suffocating repression of town life, a place to dance and reveal secret desires. Either way, a place which threatens the community of Salem. Contrastingly, Dungatar is encircled by ‘golden seas of wheat’ which offer sustenance and provide a living for the people. The cycle of farming is ‘familiar…a map’ to those in the town, a reliable reassurance rather than an unknown menace.

COMPARATIVE VOCABULARY Place the following words into the table: Similarly, Conversely, In the same way, While, In contrast, Just as, Likewise, Although, In a different fashion, However, … Similarities

Differences

Social Setting- Beliefs The Crucible Their creed forbade anything resembling a theatre or ‘vain enjoyment.’ They did not celebrate Christmas, and a holiday from work meant only that they must concentrate even more upon prayer… Probably more than the creed, hard work kept the morals of the place from spoiling, for the people were forced to fight the land like heroes for every grain of corn, and no man had very much time for fooling around… This predilection for minding other people’s business was time-honoured among the people of Salem, and it undoubtedly created many of the suspicions which were to feed the coming madness. It was also, in my opinion, one of the things that a John Proctor would rebel against, for the time of the armed camp had almost passed, and since the country was reasonably- although not wholly- safe, the old disciplines were beginning to rankle. But, as in all such matters, the issue was not clear-cut, for danger was still a possibility, and in unity still lay the best promise of safety. 14 They believed, in short, that they held in their steady hands the candle that would light the world. We have inherited this belief, and it has helped and hurt us. It helped them with the discipline it gave them. 15 For good purposes, even high purposes, the people of Salem developed a theocracy, a combine of state and religious power whose function was to keep the community together, and to prevent any kind of disunity that might open it to destruction by material or ideological enemies. 16 The witch-hunt was a perverse manifestation of the panic which set in among all classes when the balance began to turn toward greater individual freedom…the witch-hunt was not, however, a mere repression. It was also, and as importantly, a long overdue opportunity for everyone so inclined to express publicly his guilt and sins, under the cover of accusations against the victims…One could not ordinarily speak of such things in public, Long-held hatreds of neighbours could now be openly expressed, and vengeance taken, despite the Bible’s charitable injunctions. Land-lust which had been expressed before by constant bickering over boundaries and deeds, could now be elevated to the arena of morality; one could cry witch against one’s neighbour and feel perfectly justified in the bargain. Old scores could be settled on a plane of heavenly combat between Lucifer and the Lord; suspicions and the envy of the miserable toward the happy could and did burst out in the general revenge. 17 Mrs Putnam: There are wheels within wheels in this village, and fires within fires! 33 Proctor: …vengeance is walking in Salem. We are what we always were in Salem, but now the little crazy children are jangling the keys of the kingdom, and common vengeance writes the law! 72 Danforth: …But witchcraft is ipso facto, on its face and by its nature, an invisible crime, is it not? The witch and the victim. None other. Now we cannot hope the witch will accuse herself; granted? Therefore, we must rely upon her victims… 90

The Dressmaker He strode to his shiny police car to begin his evening drive around, knowing all was well. The locals were subdued and the men asleep, for there was a chance of victory the next day on the football field. 5 Her husband did not believe in drugs. Addictive, he said. ‘All that’s needed is God’s forgiveness, a clean mind and a wholesome diet… 39 & 41 ‘Percival says God is responsible for everything.’ She used to have a lot of falls, which left her with a black eye or a cut lip. Over the years, as her husband ground to a stiff and shuffling old man, her injuries ceased. 41 ‘And that fancy William Beaumont’s been hanging around town too, Sergeant, neglecting his poor mother and the property, hanging around with those hoodlum footballers, well let me tell you if he’s got any queer ideas we’ll all suffer, I know what men get up to when they go away to cities, there are men dressed as women and I know-‘ 46

‘Thank you for bringing the cream,’ she said. Barney blushed and looked at the wall beside him. When they had gone she sniffed Mr Almanac’s cream and threw it away, then gathered some herbs and creams from the trunk under her bed and made a paste to apply. 83 ‘What about my reputation?’ 117 ‘They’ve gown airs, think they’re classy. You’re not doing them any good.’ ‘They think I’m not doing you any good.’ Tilly handed teddy her smoke. ‘Everyone likes to have someone to hate,’ she said. ‘But you want them to like you,’ said Molly. ‘They’re all liars, sinners and hypocrites.’ 175

Social Setting- Social hierarchy The Crucible She [Tituba] is also very frightened because her slave sense has warned her that, as always, trouble in this house eventually lands on her back. 17 Parris: There is a faction that is sworn to drive me from my pulpit. 19 Hale: …You cannot be Rebecca Nurse? Rebecca: I am, sir. Do you know me? Hale: It’s strange how I knew you, but I suppose you look as such a good soul should. We have all heard of your great charities in Beverly. Parris: Do you know this gentleman? Mr Thomas Putnam. And his good wife Ann. Hale: Putnam! I ha not expected such distinguished company, sir. 40 & 41 Elizabeth: I am no Goody Good that sleeps in ditches, nor Osburn, drunk and half-witted. 60 Danforth: This is a court of law, Mister. I’ll have no effrontery here! 89 Abigail [in an open threat]: Let you beware, Mr Danforth. Think you be so high and mighty that the power of Hell may not turn your wits? 96

The Dressmaker ‘Does anyone know you’re coming Myrtle?’ asked the sergeant. ‘My name is Tilly,’ she said. ‘Everyone will know soon enough.’ 7 ‘Yes, I’m aware your mother considers herself very refined.’ 14 They said Teddy McSwiney could sell a sailor sea-water. He was Dungatar’s highly valued full forward, he was charming and the nice girls loved him, but he was a McSwiney. Beula Harridene said he was just a bludger and a thief. 28 ‘You can’t keep anything secret here,’ said the old woman, ‘Everybody knows everything about everyone but no one tittle-tattles because then someone else’ll tell on them. But you don’t matter- it’s open slather on outcasts.’ 33 The girls sang, ‘Dunny’s Mum’s a slut, Dunnybum’s Mum’s a slut, Myr-tle’s a bar-std, Myr-tle’s a bar-std.’ 56

‘Mum says I’m not quite finished. Dad said I’m only five bob out of ten.’ ‘People say things about me too, Barney.’ 106 She noted the members of the newly formed Dungatar Social Club had acquired an accent overnight- an enunciated Dungatar interpretation of queenly English. 142 ‘My own daughter has turned into the sort of person I moved here to avoid.’ 150 They drove up The Hill to throw rocks onto the cottage roof in the middle of the night, driving around and around, revving, calling ‘Murderers! Witches!’ 201

Physical/Social Setting- Impact after the main events of the narratives The Crucible Cheever: There be so many cows wanderin’ the highroads, now their masters are in the jail, and much disagreement who they will belong to now. 109-110 Parris:…and since the news of Andover has broken hereDanforth: Andover is remedied. The court returns there on Friday, and will resume examinations. Parris: I am sure of it, sir. But the rumour here speaks rebellion in Andover, and itDanforth: There is no rebellion in Andover! Parris: I tell you what is said here, sir. Andover have thrown out the court, they say, and will have no part of witchcraft. There be a faction here, feeding on that news, and I tell you true, sir, I fear there will be riot here. Hathorne: Riot! Why at every execution I have seen naught but high satisfaction in the town. 111

Proctor: No, no. I have signed it. You have seen me. It is done! You have no need for this. Parris: Proctor, the village must have proof thatProctor: Damn the village! I confess to God, and God has seen my name on this! It is enough! Danforth: No, sir, it isProctor: You came to save my soul, did you not? Here! I have confessed myself; it is enough! Danforth: You have not conProctor: I have confessed myself! Is there no good penitence but it be public? God does not need my name nailed upon the church! God sees my name; God knows how black my sins are! It is enough! Danforth: Mr ProctorProctor: You will not use me! I am no Sarah Good or Tituba, I am John Proctor! You will not use me! It is no part of salvation that you should use me! Danforth: I do not wish toProctor: I have three children- how may I teach them to walk like men in the world, and I have sold my friends? Danforth: You have not sold your friendsProctor: Beguile me not! I blacken all of them when this is nailed to the church the very day they hang for silence! 123 & 124

The Dressmaker Sergeant Farrat arrived to collect Tilly wearing a black knee-length wool-crepe frock with a draped neck, a stylish lampshade overskirt cut asymmetrically, black stockings and sensible black pumps with a discreet leather flower stitched to the heel. ‘Molly would disapprove,’ he smiled, ‘can’t you just see her expression?’ ‘Your dress will be ruined in this rain.’ ‘I can always make another one and besides, I have a nice blue cape and umbrella in the car.’ She looked at him and frowned. ‘I don’t care Tilly,’ he said, ‘I’m beyond caring what those people think or say anymore. I’m sure everyone’s seen what’s on my clothes line over the years, and I’m just about to retire anyway.’ 241 Everything was black and smoking- the entire town had been razed. A few smouldering trees remained, and a telephone pole here, a brick chimney there. Anxious pet dogs sat where front gates once swung and chooks scratched between the twisted water tanks and iron roofs littering the black landscape. The cast stood in the wafting smoke, hankies to their eyes and noses, trying to block out the smell of burned rubber, scorched timber, paint, cars and curtains. They had been burned out of existence. Nothing remained except Tilly Dunnage’s chimney… The goalposts at the footy ground were spent matchsticks lying on the black oval, and the willows that once crowned the creek bend were big, bare scaffolds, dead and curled…They all started to cry, first slowly and quietly then increasing in volume. They groaned and rocked, bawled and howled, their faces red and screwed and their mouths agape, like terrified children lost in a crowd. They were homeless and heartbroken, gazing at the smouldering trail splayed like fingers on a black glove. 294-296...