How important is it that Our Day Out has multiple settings Essay Example
How important is it that Our Day Out has multiple settings Essay Example

How important is it that Our Day Out has multiple settings Essay Example

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The "Our Day Out" play highlights the economically and socially underprivileged section of society, serving as a representation of the world we live in.

Set in a period of high unemployment and socio-economic divide, the play follows the journey of a group of schoolchildren from Liverpool's "Progress Class" as they embark on one of their biggest adventures yet. The students, hailing from lower-income backgrounds, venture to Wales and experience a transformative journey that transcends a simple children's show.

Willy Russell's play features various themes and settings, incorporating intricate and serious issues within what may appear to be child-friendly content. Through exemplary attention to detail, he has masterfully captured the linguistic nuances of Liverpool. The play highlights prejudice and discrimination, exemplified by the teachers who impart their bigotry onto the children, with

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even the kindly Mrs Kay reflecting disparagingly on their potential futures as "factory fodder" due to their disadvantaged backgrounds.

Throughout the play, Mr Briggs consistently displays disrespect towards his students and lacks professionalism. This is evident when he speaks to Carol on the cliff and states, "I'm not putting up with a pile of silliness from the likes of you." The use of the phrase "likes of you" highlights Mr Briggs' complete disregard for Carol, indicating that he sees her as unworthy of his time and attention. In addition to addressing the themes of prejudice and discrimination, the play also touches on topics related to education and school life.

In the play, teaching is not a prominent aspect. The role of the teachers is mainly to impose discipline while the children enjoy their day. The character of Briggs frequently expresses his authority by saying things like

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"Reilly, Dickson sit down!" In contrast, the play portrays Mrs Kay as a cheerful and kind character, while Mr Briggs is portrayed as strict and cantankerous. This is evident in their exchange where Mrs Kay greets Mr Briggs brightly and he responds grudgingly.

Mr Briggs joins the trip to ensure organization and discipline among "that bunch" while Mrs Kay does it out of kindness. Mrs Kay connects with the children while Mr Briggs regards them as unworthy. The Principal, although briefly mentioned, plays a significant role in the story.

In reference to the Progress Class and Mrs Kay, the Principal remarks that "She keeps them well out of the way", indicating his lack of regard for these children. The play also encompasses numerous physical settings, which are crucial in exploring the serious themes addressed therein. These aforementioned issues and locations are essential components of the play.

This play gains depth through the portrayal of different settings. An important scene is when the students board the bus, as it reveals a new side to Mrs Kay. She lies to the bus driver, allowing the kids to eat on the bus, which is out of character for her. Briggs maintains order during the typical school bus ride.

When left unsupervised, children can become unruly, as depicted in the humorous scene on the bus where Reilly and Digga attempt to sneak a cigarette and avoid Briggs. Russell skillfully incorporates such moments throughout the program to entertain viewers and engross them in the characters' experiences. The group, minus Briggs, eventually decides to stop at a restroom, their first pit stop. Later, at a shop, the children engage in shoplifting while Mrs.

Kay and Briggs have coffee. Such delinquent behavior may contribute to the negative stereotype surrounding these students.

After shopping, Mrs Kay suggests visiting the zoo. The kids become enthusiastic and attempt to steal some animals, leading Briggs to comment that they deserve to be treated like animals. It's possible Briggs is attempting to justify his own behavior towards the kids rather than point out their mistakes. Finally, the play concludes with visits to Wales where two significant events occur: a game of football and Carol becomes lost.

Carol, a troubled and impoverished child, repeatedly vocalizes her aversion to returning home, possibly due to abuse or neglect. Despite her distress, she maintains a cordial rapport with Mrs. Kay, who acts as a maternal figure to her. At one point, Carol wanders off and is eventually located on the cliff's periphery by Mr. Briggs while the rest of the group searches for her.

Despite seeing her standing on the cliff's edge, Briggs remains determined to assert his authority over her, stating sternly, "You better listen up, young lady..."

In the play, Carol threatens to jump over and says, "Try an' get me an' I'll jump over." Briggs yells at her to come down, but he only cares about himself, saying, "Just what are you tryin' to do to me?" He shows no concern for Carol. Eventually, she agrees to come down and the two seem to bond after this near-death experience. The play has multiple settings and touches on serious themes. The significance lies in the fact that without these settings, the play would lack depth.

The play is a basic children's show with no significant message. However, the distinct

scenes and the varied reactions of each character enhance the quality of the story. One such example is the importance of Carol and the cliff in revealing her fascinating history. Without such compelling elements, the story would lack depth and remain flat.

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