The Shoe-Horn Sonata Essay Scene 9

Australian vision means how we see or interpret or understand the meaning of certain situations or events about Australia and Australians and can also refer to their dreams or hopes for the future. In scene nine of his play 'Shoe - Horn Sonata' John Misto presents several Australian Visions. Back to the studio we can hear Bridie singing 'The Captives' Hymn' which they'd sung almost every Sunday. The juxtaposition of the hymn and reality reflects the women's bravery and refusal to give in. Then in April 1945 the Japs had decided to move them to Belalau and many women die on the way there. 'They shoved us in the cargo hold - no food, no water, no space to lie down' with the use of listing and emotive language the Australian Vision of terrible conditions during the war is illustrated. Even though in such a horrible situation, one Australian nurse still 'kept on saying that we weren't animals ... and she'd rather die than be treated like one. It was the bravest act I have ever seen.' Once again by using the superlative and simile, the women's bravery, refusal to give in and resourcefulness are revealed. However there was an incident made the women crack up. Captain Siki delivered a message from Australian Prime Minister to keep smiling. 'They were skin and bone and covered in boils - and they'd just been told to 'keep smiling'' with descriptive language and irony both Australian government's attitude to the women - lack of concern and the women's ability to remain positive in dreadful circumstances are conveyed. The following projected images of emaciated male prisoners of war and soundtrack of Judy Garland singing 'When You're Smiling' further reinforce the irony of Australian Government's lack of concern.

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