In P’tang, Yang, Kippebang Jack Rosenthal Essay Example

how the way one appears can be persuasive by asking, "A confident one, Duckworth. Do you know how to be confident?" However, she never exhibits confidence herself as she always has something to hide. The Headmaster is another example of hypocrisy.

The initial encounter with the headmaster reveals that his appearance and words do not align with his true nature. Despite being in his sixties, he finds amusement in life's letdowns and professional frustrations. During Alan's visit to his study, the headmaster claims to oppose corporal punishment, yet proceeds to discipline him with a cane. This act of physical punishment mirrors the violence witnessed during the recently concluded war. While Alan is deeply disturbed by killing a spider, the headmaster views such acts of violence as commonplace.

The adult world is highlighted by the contrast in attitudes towards violence between Alan and the Headmaster. The Headmaster also dismisses Alan's miracle, stating that miracles are only for weekends and holidays. This reflects the Headmaster's cynicism and loss of wonder. In his study, the Headmaster gives Miss Land "The Tables Turned" play, which symbolizes a reversal of roles in the adult world.

The children have switched positions with the adults and are acting more openly and thoughtfully. Eventually, Alan, who used to be naive and optimistic, also experiences a reversal of fortune. During a school play, the headmaster, who is supposed to be observing, falls asleep and mistakenly claps at the wrong moment when he awakens. This incident reveals his lack of concern for his students. As Rosenthal's play unfolds, unfamiliar adult characters are introduced, and it is at this stage in Alan's life that he has numerous role models

who are all exposed as frauds.

Tommy is a prime example of deception because he falsely claims to be a war hero, a title he has never earned. As the Headmaster cynically remarks, this is an instance of the "dichotomy of Appearance and Reality". In Jack Rosenthal's portrayal, Alan is portrayed as isolated and lacking any form of assistance. The spider that Alan steps on, unleashing all its offspring, symbolizes the challenges that Alan himself will have to face when he leaves home and becomes independent from his parents. Their absence from the stage indicates that Alan will have to handle his problems alone, without their support.

Alan is portrayed as isolated on stage, with his mother represented only as a disembodied voice, which suggests her lack of attentiveness to his needs. This accentuates Alan's extreme loneliness. The play emphasizes the contrasting situations between Miss Land and Tommy's affair, and Alan's relationship with Ann. The adults in the play are portrayed as selfish and using each other solely for sexual purposes. Alan's innocence is juxtaposed with Miss Land's cynical view towards men. She remarks, "And number two: the fact she is displeased with you is immaterial to you. You're a philanderer. A grown man. A man of the world."

According to Miss Land, "You are amused that she is upset," illustrates the expectations that a mature man should have. Miss Land may not have encountered a man who values factors other than sex in relationships. However, for Miss Land, sex is merely enjoyable and lacks any understanding of emotional sensitivity. This contrasts with Alan's genuine and transparent emotions. As a young individual in his first experience with

love, Alan is not familiar with prior knowledge of being in love. He highly regards dignity, honor, and truth.

A primary distinction among kids is their candidness towards each other. For instance, Alan conveys to Ann, "You're stunning, Ann. There are times when I look at you and you're so gorgeous it makes me want to shed tears." Intriguingly, even when presented with the opportunity to kiss Ann during the play, Alan opts for a handshake instead. He desires their inaugural kiss to be a unique moment, not a spectacle for spectators. This action symbolically declines the adult role that Miss Land tries to enforce on him. Throughout the drama, John Arlott's cricket commentary provides an emotional connection for the audience to feel what Alan undergoes.

The playwright uses John's cricket commentary as a metaphor to convey what is happening in Alan's mind. Alan is facing a situation where he has 365 runs left to score with only one wicket remaining. The playwright humorously illustrates the challenges of "building an innings" by using this analogy. The cricket commentary acts as a soliloquy, allowing the externalized commentary effects to represent Alan's internalized experience. By doing so, the playwright helps the audience understand Alan's thoughts and emotions.

By scoring runs for England, the protagonist undergoes a Test match that includes failure, pain, and hardship, all necessary for achieving victory. As the play progresses, Alan realizes that life is not as clear-cut and simplistic as he once believed. His naive relationship with God, depicted amusingly in the bedroom scene, highlights his lack of understanding. "Please God let it be today. Somehow let it come true today." Alan assumes that faith alone

will bring Ann to him. However, by the end of the play, Alan loses his naivety and gains insights about the complexities of the adult world and real life. He can no longer indulge in idle dreams. "Real men don't mess about dreaming."

When asked by Ann to say P'tang Yang, Kipperbang, Alan refuses. This refusal showcases his maturing nature and a more serious attitude, particularly towards the opposite sex. When asked, "Would you like to say P'tang, Yang, Kipperbang?" Alan simply smiles and shakes his head. His use of different gestures illustrates an adult-like communication style where words are not always necessary to understand each other. Furthermore, Alan greets the workmen in a manner befitting an adult: "He nods to them curtly — the greeting of a man among men."