Clinton Anh Minh Huynh
English St, Modules A,B &C
Module A
How has the distinctively visual been portrayed in your prescribed text and an additional text of your own choosing?
The concept of being distinctively visual has allowed composers to expose the many atrocities of human cruelty as well as
express their inner thoughts in the form of persona. War and maltreatment of other human beings are only a few of many
actions that were preventative. This is the case in The Shoe Horn Sonata by John Misto and Beach Burial by Kenneth
Slessor wherein each text was inspired by true events but is viewed from a minority perspective. The Shoe Horn Sonata
contains literary devices as well as occasional images that attempt to give the responder an insight into the lives of the
Australian nurse, the unsung heroes of war who have hone to great lengths to rescue others. Beach Burial, on the other
hand, condemns war as a whole- that every fighter will either perish or continue to live with the scars of a war that arose
due to human error. Slessor uses various figures of speech to construct a humane view of conflict. These images in turn
give the audience some time to ponder, and reflect on the consequences of ‘human flaws.’
It is not just a global conflict/war that makes for an engaging text but also the characters ‘experience, hopelessness,
suffering and ultimately triumph that questions the responders’ perception of maltreatment. The playwright employs the
motif of the Japanese flag: “here we see a large Japanese flag, brilliantly illuminated as the scene continues.” The sinking
of the Vyner Brooke is the flag, a symbol of vulnerability, powerlessness and fear. The ‘red’ from the Japanese flag also
denotes bloodshed, winning at any cost and cruelty to the other races, which also established a distinctively visual
experience regardless of the audience.
In contrast to The Shoe Horn Sonata, Beach Burial by Kenneth Slessor examines the conflict itself, not just the similar fate
the soldiers encounter, but the fate that any two collisions between two sides will result n a high death count. “Between
the sobbing and clubbing of the gunfire is an onomatopoeia that associates killing with violence and suffering. Violence
through the vast amount of blood spilled and suffering for the family and friends of those killed Unlike John Misto’s play,
the text directly blames the government for being the cause of war, with no significant gain, whatsoever. The Shoe Horn
Sonata indirectly puts blame on the government for not doing anything to liberate then from the P.O.W. camp. Hence, the
images created questions the responders’ view on conflict making the text visually engaging as conflict is constantly
occurring with none that end without loss.
Human error plays a crucial role in the progress made in The Shoe Horn Sonata. The maltreatment of Australian nurses
seems to be a compulsory duty for all Japanese soldiers. Consequently, many people physically and mentally suffer, some
perish after experiencing excruciating pain. The photos of Act I Scene VII only reinforce the truth that was hidden for many
decades ‘we see photos of women P.O.W’s emaciated, haggard, impoverished’ provides the responder with images that
represent the product of maltreatment, a way of ‘using psychological treatment to decompose the nurses internally and
hence make them feel vulnerable. Ultimately, the error of the Japanese is what keeps the characters alive as they attempt
to ‘bond’ with each other. The images constructed not only reveal the atrocities of mankind to one of its own, but how
cruel people can come to be for the sake of achieving a goal. The further use of images only accumulates the responder’s
understandings of being distinctively visual.
Unlike the play, Beach Burial examines the existentialist interpretation of conflicts such as war: ‘whether as enemies, they
fought, or fought with us, the sand joins them together.’ The composer utilizes personification to convey the unity of the
human race as a whole and the binding power of ‘mother nature’ The negative connotations created by “the sand joins
them” reveals the existentialist perspective: what is the point of life if war is constantly initiated? This idea also questions
the audiences’ perceptions of conflict. Conflict is a product of human flaws and yet it cannot be ‘corrected’ due to the
issues possessed by humans: selfishness, ambition and desperation
Clinton Anh Minh Huynh
English St, Modules A,B &C
1) Water
To further expose the detrimental effects of torture, the composers also use multiple accounts as well as imagery to
sympathise with the victims who have found themselves entangled in conflict. The recount of Sheila giving up her virginity
in exchange for quinine reveals the overpowering nature of friendship over individuality. A tone of urgency is created in:
“Oh no, please tell me you didn’t” to enhance the responders’ understanding of the situation as Bridie and Sheila highlight
their experiences at Belalau. This is further emphasised in Beach Burial wherein “at night they sway and wander in the
waters far under,” personifying the carcasses of former soldiers and ultimately conveying that suffering are attached to
these soldiers even after death.
The broad and variable concept of being distinctively visual can also be displayed trough auditory devices. The playing of
the ‘Blue Danube’ by Johann Strauss creates a majestic and triumphant tone that the characters Bridie and Sheila have
won against all odds. “We didn’t know whether to cry or to laugh” “and they were wonderful” creates a feeling of
cleansing and forgiveness. Hence, an image evoking feelings of triumph and honour is created, conveying their ‘stay’ as
being a distinctively visual experience.
Despite the infinite number of human errors made “The Shoe Horn Sonata” reveals the feeling of forgiveness whereas
Beach Burial conveys the endlessness of conflict. It is through the foundation of a humane discourse reinforced by
overpowering ideas embedded in images that the composers have conveyed distinctively visual.
Module B:
How are the more prominent themes such as the clash of cultures conveyed in Witness?
Peter Weir’s “witness” attracts the responder’s attention towards the socially distressing issues that have been present
since the dawn of time. Weir takes the viewer on a journey to examine the cause and effect of events/issues that still exist
without knowledge. This is done through the clash of cultures and the juxtapositioning of the values possessed by
prominent characters such as John Book, Rachael and Samuel. Further expanding the viewer’s perspective, Weir utilizes
the idea of a utopian and dystopian society to bring the characters of both worlds to life. This does not only give the
responder an insight into the clash of cultures still evident in today’s world but the significance of experience in breaking
down barriers between cultures as well as individuals. These qualities contribute to the text being universal. Weir has
effectively crafted his ideas through his filmic production elements.
The clash of cultures can sometimes result in the breaking of barriers between the two. In the case of Witness, John acts
as a catalyst for the formation of ‘free thinking’ within, eventually leading to a sense of understanding. This is portrayed
through the close shot of Book’s gun and bullets, a symbol of death. The consequent discussion between Samuel and Eli
regarding weapons also conveys the freedom in thinking present within Samuel, challenging the conventions of the day.
This effectively used close shot also juxtaposes the Amish and modern society as they both possess conflicting ideas
regarding violence. Hence, Weir raises awareness on issues that dominated the contexts in which ‘Witness’ was composed
and directed.
Clinton Anh Minh Huynh
English St, Modules A,B &C
Reinforcing the clash of cultures evident within the film text, Weir presents the theme of ‘community versus individuality.’
The consequent portrayal of the Amish distinguishes them from all others in terms of their customs- their strict adherence
to the Ordnung. Through the prominent use of black and white in the Amish clothing, there is a lack of contrast within the
community, thereby conveying the lack of individuality- that people such as Rachael and Samuel have compromised their
identity for the sake of assimilating within the community. This is juxtaposed with the vibrancy of the colours in the
outside world. Not only is the presence of variety indicative of a community that preserves individuality, but it also reveals
the downsides to conforming to a specific society where an individual’s actions are governed. The director skillfully
manipulated the conflicting values of the two communities to create a credible image presenting the tension evident in
the context of Witness.
Despite the lack of individuality that exists within the Amish community, Weir also employs high key and low key lighting
in an attempt to portray the Amish as the more ‘pure’ of the two . The director uses high key lighting in the form of
sunlight in the opening scenes of the film to create a first impression of the Amish being faultless and purified than those
of the outside world. The distribution of sunlight on the crop fields create a sense of innocence, allowing the responder to
ponder and reflect on the values of today’s society in relation to the Amish society, the freedom and corruption in the
modern world as opposed to the crimeless but extremely restrictive Amish society.
On the contrary, the composer uses extensive low key lighting to reveal the more sinister and idiosyncratic properties that
makes the city a seemingly less secure place to live in. Low key lighting is used in a nightclub bar in which John Book
apprehends a suspect. Here, Weir uses the several sinister components that constitute modern society- drinking, drugs
and crime. Weir’s use of non-diegetic sound especially hen introducing the Amish world and when Schaeffer arrives
effectively elaborates on the clash of cultures which is evident in the filmic techniques used.
In the opening scenes of ‘Witness,’ ambient sound of wind blowing against the grass reinforces the more angelic and
peaceful properties which define the Amish. This also defines the Amish as the more nature-reliant and simplistic as
opposed to the industrial-reliant and more complicated components of modern society. As a result, the responders are
made more alert to the horrifying fact that corruption is embedded in city life and therefore needs to be considered as
something that is undermining everyone’s sense of security.
On the contrary, ambient sound is used in the final scenes where Schaeffer and his assistants attempt to disrupt the Amish
community. A reoccurring monotone sound is employed to reinforce the negative connotations that were present since
the police were corrupt. Furthermore, dolly out is used to reveal the sinister motives that lie within the trio’s minds. The
monotone sound does not only suggest a nearing sign of danger, but also the implications of corruption that has resulted
in a final ‘confrontation’ on the Amish farm. Again, Weir has skillfully combined multiple film techniques to create a
meaning and value that gradually separates but reduces tension between the two communities.
Hence, the director of Witness has used several film techniques to create credibility in the conflict between the two
thereby conveying verisimilitude. Weir, as a result, has successfully used the text to challenge the responder’s initial
perceptions of the Amish culture in relation to today’s society.
Module C:
Transition into another world is a slow but rewarding process. Explain how this is depicted in you prescribed text and a
text of you own choosing.
Clinton Anh Minh Huynh
English St, Modules A,B &C
Texts are a transparent but effective medium in which the unseen lives of individuals are conveyed the responder and the
wider world. Transition into a seemingly different world is a daunting task which requires exposure to experiences and
time for assimilating with the rapidly changing world. The individuals who attempt to do so will encounter personal
experiences that will mould their characteristics and enhance growth due to their unique reactions to experiences that
define their individuality. ‘The Story of Tom Brennan’ by J.C. Burke and Rose Blanche by Ian McEwan expose the responder
to the experiences that have resulted in growth and change by their alternate fates. Both individuals were confronted with
barriers and because of the minor experiences encountered they have undergone metamorphosis in the spiritual and the
physical sense.
Individuals’ experience different transitions into new phases of which may result in the alteration of their way of thinking.
This is evident in ‘The Story of Tom Brennan’ where the prologue presents a foreboding tone: “the ugly words that told us
we were no longer wanted, and along the street,” gives the responder an insight into the circumstances in which
individuals may be forced into a foreign phase of life and adapt to the changes in society in the case of Tom Brennan. On
the other hand, Ian McEwan employs the motif of the Nazi flag with Rose smiling in the foreground to convey the
voluntary nature of her actions, which in turn enhance her spiritual growth, similar to what Tom Brennan experiences
despite the significant differences in context that set these texts apart. Hence, their transition into a new phase of life will
result in spiritual development to an extent but it is their reactions to personal experiences that set them apart.
Adapting to the changes a seemingly ‘alien’ world presents, barriers may be present to challenge an individuals’ decision
to enter a new frontier. The second frame in Rose Blanche foreshadows Rose’s opposition to society as she does moments
later. Through the use of juxtaposition of Rose’s red bow tie and pink skirt to the surrounding town, Rose is conveyed as a
potential threat to society with the tanks and military being symbolic of the hindrances and blockades that challenge
motivation to enter a new world foreign to her own. Similarly, the simile ‘I felt like a criminal standing there with my arms
stretched out’ conveys Tom’s sensitivity to change that hinders his psychological development especially when he
confronts his old neighbourhood of Mumbilli, which he soon challenges and surpasses due to his willpower which was the
product of his many months of experiences in the new and ‘forgiving’ society of Mumbilli. The final moments in the text is
the quintessential transition from the world of pain and the past to one of repentance and the future.
Individuals who venture into the world are confronted with barriers. However, these barriers are met with persistence and
do not hinder their experiences. It is through these challenges that individuals ultimately learn more about the world and
themselves. Tom Brennan experiences conflicts within his family and within himself. Through the composer’s use of vulgar
language in : “if you didn’t have your arse thinking about rugby, then maybe you wouldn’t be such a dickhead,” tension is
constructed between Kylie and Tom further displaying the environment and context that Tom was raised up in. Tom’s
characterisation: “I have friends here, Roy, um, Dan…” provides the responder with an insight into the timid and confused
character that Tom has struggled to overcome to make the transition between the two worlds possible. In contrast t Tom
Brennan, Rose Blanche confronts a less personal but more psychological and physical barrier. The twelfth and thirteenth
frames contain fences which symbolise the psychological barriers that have encouraged Rose Blanche to surpass the
blockades and discover new worlds that are hidden from view. Furthermore, the presences of the military in both frames
reinforce the idea of a secretive and corrupt world.
The conflict Tom Brennan experiences is further conveyed through the use of exclamatory language: “That’s right! Noone’s allowed to know because you’re repeating year eleven just in case it blows your cover.” Besides the fact that Kylie
detests Tom for unintentionally causing her trouble, Tom is also conveyed as experiencing personal problems that have
also hindered his ability to perform academically. Hence, barriers are always encountered in the process of
metamorphosis, but the outcome is entirely dependent on the individual’s reaction and approach. This is the sole factor
determining their growth and route to the wider world.
Clinton Anh Minh Huynh
English St, Modules A,B &C
Tom’s conflicting past is also reflected through constant flashbacks: “The whisper around town grew louder: Daniel
Brennan was an accident waiting to happen, an accident waiting to happen.” The rhetorical question “So how come the
township of Mumbilli saw it coming and we didn’t?’ reinforces Tom’s inability to prevent the accident from occurring, due
to his unparalleled tolerance of Daniel as well as his strong bond with his older brother.
The individuals who are successful in their transition into the world generally forsake their past and reflect on their
successes. This is evident in the personification of nature: “trees put on their bright new uniforms and paraded in the sun,”
and “spring had triumphed,” commenting on the fact that Rose has advanced to a parallel world whilst the dystopian
world of Germany has been overrun by nature. Similarly, Tom Brennan’s optimistic tone is reflected in.” Despite the
turbulent environment the protagonists have thrived in and eventually overcame, their comparison to their previous self is
vital for growth and preparation for transition into the wider, more complicated world.
Growth and change only occurs when individuals confront their barriers and apply their learning experiences to confront
these challenges. In the case of Rose Blanch by Ian McEwan and ‘The Story of Tom Brennan’ by J.C. Burke, the individuals
are isolated in dissimilar contexts and are faced with unique barriers. Nevertheless, they successfully triumph over the
nemesis and are given the opportunity to experience a new world whether it is recovering their past life or passing away
quietly to experience life in a parallel world.