Rainbow's End: Characters
Updated: November 16, 2024
Summary
The video delves into the characters in Jane Harrison's play Rainbow's End, emphasizing their constructed nature for analysis. Nan is depicted as a pessimistic matriarch shaped by trauma, while Gladus is an optimistic character who values assimilation. Dolly represents the clash between traditional values and aspirations, and Errol undergoes a transformation in understanding indigenous issues. Antagonistic minor characters like the Inspector and Bank Manager symbolize racism and institutional challenges faced by the Deer family.
Introduction to Characters in Rainbow's End
The video starts by emphasizing the importance of understanding characters in Jane Harrison's play Rainbow's End as constructions by the author rather than real people. The concept of writing about characters as constructs is explained to elevate analysis.
Nan Deer
Nan Deer is introduced as the matriarch of the Deer family in her 60s, who has experienced trauma due to government policies. She is depicted as pessimistic, critical of the government, wary of white people and institutions, and protective of her family. Nan's character reflects themes of skepticism, trauma, and a desire for autonomy and protection.
Gladus Banks
Gladus Banks, also known as Gladus Deer, is portrayed as an optimistic character in her 40s. Stolen from her family and illiterate, Gladus values assimilation and whiteness. Despite her lack of formal education, she is intelligent, nurturing, and becomes empowered to advocate for her community.
Dolly Dolores
Dolly, also known as Dolores, is the youngest in the family, a teenager who excels academically but faces racism and systemic barriers. Independent and torn between dreams and reality, Dolly embodies the bridge between traditional views and new aspirations, reflecting hope for the younger generation.
Errol
Errol, Dolly's love interest, is characterized as a well-meaning but naive and patronizing white man in his 20s. He learns and grows throughout the play, demonstrating a shift in perspective and understanding of indigenous issues, despite initial unawareness and insensitivity.
Papa Deer
Papa Deer, Nan's husband and believed to be Gladus's father, is revealed to be Nan's rapist, challenging the family's dynamics. As a traveling pastor striving to improve living conditions for the community, Papa Deer symbolizes sacrifice and leadership.
Inspector and Other Characters
The Inspector, Bank Manager, Yungi (police officer), and other minor characters played by Errol represent antagonistic figures embodying racism, institutional barriers, and insensitivity towards the Dear family. They reflect oppressive forces and challenges faced by the protagonists.
FAQ
Q: Who is Nan Deer and how is she depicted in the play?
A: Nan Deer is the matriarch of the Deer family in her 60s, depicted as pessimistic, critical of the government, wary of white people and institutions, and protective of her family. Her character reflects themes of skepticism, trauma, and a desire for autonomy and protection.
Q: Describe the character of Gladus Banks, also known as Gladus Deer.
A: Gladus Banks, portrayed as an optimistic character in her 40s, was stolen from her family and is illiterate. She values assimilation and whiteness, despite her lack of formal education. She is depicted as intelligent, nurturing, and becomes empowered to advocate for her community.
Q: Who is Dolly in the play, and what characteristics define her?
A: Dolly, also known as Dolores, is the youngest in the family, a teenager who excels academically but faces racism and systemic barriers. She is independent and torn between dreams and reality, embodying the bridge between traditional views and new aspirations, reflecting hope for the younger generation.
Q: How is Errol characterized in the play?
A: Errol is characterized as a well-meaning but naive and patronizing white man in his 20s. Throughout the play, he learns and grows, demonstrating a shift in perspective and understanding of indigenous issues, despite initial unawareness and insensitivity.
Q: What role does Papa Deer play in the family dynamics?
A: Papa Deer, Nan's husband and believed to be Gladus's father, is revealed to be Nan's rapist, challenging the family's dynamics. As a traveling pastor striving to improve living conditions for the community, he symbolizes sacrifice and leadership.
Q: Who do the minor characters played by Errol represent in the play?
A: The Inspector, Bank Manager, Yungi (police officer), and other minor characters played by Errol represent antagonistic figures embodying racism, institutional barriers, and insensitivity towards the Deer family. They reflect oppressive forces and challenges faced by the protagonists.
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