How effectively has Michael Gow used intertextuality and historical and social references in the play Away.

What impact doe this technique have on the reader/viewer? Michael Gow effectively incorporates intertextuality along with historical and social references in the play Away. This play explores a physical journey on which three very different Australian families travel where their relationships and attitudes are challenged, undergoing significant spiritual and emotional journeys. The use of intertextuality is used to add significance and meaning, while historical and social references provide understanding and links. The whole play is essentially built on these references, which add meaning and significance to everything that happens and without them the play would be an uneventful recount. There is a main underlying reference and theme to Shakespeares Mid Summers Night Dream, this theme is coupled with references to bex, Vietnam War, Chips Rafferty and many others. This technique also has a varied impact on the reader. The main theme and link to Mid Summers Night Dream heightens understanding can be at times as a parallel link to the play. Gows symbolism and portrayal of Tom as Puck, gives a more thorough understanding of Tom as a character, that just as Puck directs the dance of the fairies in the school performance, it is Tom that will be the central character and direct the plays action. Other references to shakespeare such as in scene 3 where Coral is talking to herself what wakes me from my flowery bed provides insight into her character. Through the use of Mid summers Night dream, we get to understand that Coral is having trouble finding herself, but she also hints at the fact that Tom in the play is sick on his face and neck were like bruises. There is continued reference to shakespeare throughout the play, sweet friends to bed. This use of Shakespeare impacts on the audience and reader through that they understand that there is a symbolic link between the two plays. It impacts the audience interlectually. Gow also make use of Mendelssohns soundtrack, with the use of the Wedding March in the storm scene, provides an ironic contrast to that of the storm, hinting that it is time for the families to come together. The use of the Nocturne at the end of Coral and Toms play together also continues the theme. I can walk. Historical and Social references are scattered throughout the play. This provides the audience with an insight into the time period and peoples ideas of that time. There is a constant repitition of this need form Gwen to take a bex. This ideaology adds to her character, of the tightly strung housewife, it also show time period effectively. The constant reference throughout the play to current film characters, such as Laurence Olivier, Chips rafferty and Kim Novak, build on the characters. From the contrast of Coral Ill be like Kim Novak, we get the impression that Gow is hinting at a resemblance of Kims character in the movie Vertigo with that of Coral. Tom is referred to as both a budding Chips Rafferty and Laurence Olivier, showing his english background. The impact of the audience from these references could be either that of deeper understanding or they could miss it entirely, based on their knowledge of Australian and English actors from the time. Throughout the play there is also historical reference to the Vietnam War, which was

occurring during the time the play is set best wishes for nineteen sixty eight. We see it referenced in act 2 scene 4 where Roy is angry at Coral we are not the first people in the history of the world to lose a son at war. This gives meaning to Corals character, why she is like she is. The reference to the war resurfaces when Coral is talking to the recently married man Rick, i was scared stiff id get called up, its like the lottery, you see. This gives further understanding to Corals character and why she has taken a keen interest in Rick, for she see him as her dead son. This impacts the audience emotionally, as they see how the war effected many wifes and families. It provides insight to Coral and Roys relationship which is pivitol in understanding the remainder of the play and the healing process that has to take place. The use of intertextuality and social and historical references have greatly added to this play. They bring a sense of depth and meaning to the play. These references provide a retrospective view in the same way that looking at events from a distance and in the light of wider knowledge and experience can heighten the understanding and meaning of those events. Gows effective use of shakespeare interwoven with many historical and social connotations provide a strong understanding for the audience.