Ruined Analysis - Grade: A+ PDF

Preview

Summary

An analysis of the play "Ruined" by Lynn Nottage....

Description

name 1

name Christina Dennehy TH 451 18 November 2019

Ruined Analysis The problem that the playwright is trying to solve with Ruined is the treatment of women in war. Women are treated as the battleground for war: women in this play are raped and enslaved by soldiers on both sides of the war as a means of warfare. This play puts the horrors of what these women are forced to go through on display and shows the ways in which these characters deal with this kind of environment. Mama Nadi, in particular, experiences a loss of control over her world like the other women in this play do. So, in order to cope with this, she creates a world of her own that she can control— i.e., her bar/brothel. It provides her with a sense of control over her life, as well as control over the lives of other women who are dealing with this loss of sovereignty in their lives. When she feels disrespected by Commander Osembaga in Scene 4, she says: I’m afraid you must edify me. And then forgive me, if it makes absolutely no difference. Once you step through my door, then you’re in my house. And I make the rules here.” (1825). Here, Mama Nadi displays a sense of control over her domain. She knows she cannot control what happens outside her home, but she can control what happens inside of it. If she were to say something similar to a commander outside of her bar/brothel, then she would face violence. However, within the limits of her bar/brothel, Mama Nadi is able to command the respect of these men. It is one of the ways she has managed to gain sovereignty in her life.

name 2

In short, the problem that the playwright is trying to solve is the effects of war on women. Nottage gives us a look into the lives of these women and allows the audience to see their horrific experiences. However, she also allows the audience to see the ways in which they cope with this, and by doing so, shows the root of the problem. Sexual violence against women in wartime has less to do with sex itself and more to do with a loss of power. Nottage calls the audience to address these issues and take action....