Representation

Question 1

How is Rocket represented?

Answer 1

• significantly less violent than other characters
• desensitised to the events and photographs them
• his camera is his weapon, not a gun
• tells the story of the favelas
• quiet and honest
• somewhat symbolises the audience; observer
• an outsider trapped between gangs and the police
• represents hope: the only one who escapes the favelas, only escapes because he can exploit his connections

Question 2

How is Lil Ze represented?

Answer 2

• dominant and aggressive
• blood thirsty and intimidating
• stands out in appearance and clothes
• has an addiction to killing; merciless
• takes sadistic pleasure in killing his rivals
• represents hopelessness: shows the side where people are wrapped up in violence and power
• the only way out for him is death
• he is motivated by pure evil

Question 3

How is Benny represented?

Answer 3

• wants to get out and start a new life with Angelica
• one of the only characters with clear intentions of the future
• wants to lead an honest life
• drawn to life outside the slums
• his relationship with Angelica changes him and leads to his death; mirrors what happened to his brother

Question 4

How is Knockout Ned represented?

Answer 4

• doesn’t want to antagonise others
• his fall into violence is motivated by revenge
• joins Carrot’s gang
• tragic hero; has seen life outside the slum - a bus fare collector and was in the military
• he is “tall and handsome” compared to Lil Ze, who is “ugly”
• the rape of his girlfriend and the murder of his brother and father draws him back into a life of crime

Question 5

How is Angelica represented?

Answer 5

• desired by many of the male characters
• dominated by makes, but has power over them because they’re infatuated by her
• an observer and mourner
• motivates Benny to abandon his criminal life
• objectified
• always in a relationship
• rejects violence but is still sucked into it as an observer and mourner
• threatened by Lil Ze: leaves Benny’s body and is never seen again

Question 6

How are the Runts represented?

Answer 6

• all hang around in groups and look up to the wrong people
• majority of crime and violence sources from young adults and children
• they murder Lil Ze even though they initially follow him and his orders. they kill him to avenge their friend
• continues the cyclical structure of crime life

Question 7

How is the Favela represented?

Answer 7

• in the 60s scenes, lighting is much warmer and bright. shown as newly built place with not many resources
• as time progresses it is much paler and cold, suggesting the community has spiralled into a world of misery and violence