DNA-Context Flashcards
(32 cards)
What date was DNA written?
2007
What was happening in 2007?
The growing threat of terrorism in Britain was causing anxiety
What 2 major terror attacks contributed to this fear of terrorism?
11th September 2001 attack in the USA
7th July 2005 London Bombings
How does the play describe the brutal terror that everyone lives in?
Leah’s first monologue
The fear links the play to the wide scale fear of terrorist groups in the 21st Century
How does Leah’s monologue effect the audience?
It creates a foreboding mood with a fearful apprehension for the audience even before the groups horrifying actions occur with Adam
How does CCTV cameras in set design linked to context?
CCTV cameras in set design to show this level of secrecy within the gang about Adam’s death
In 21st-century Britain the government introduced an increase to security and stricter surveillance measures to protect the public and reduce the crime rate in the country
How are young people presented in early 21st century Britain?
Young people were a political issue
There was a growing amount of teenagers presenting antisocial behaviour such as drinking underage shoplifting and gang violence
Young people were distrusted by their parents as they saw them as a threat and a disappointment
Why did these young people act so irresponsibly?
Poor education system as they thought that schools weren’t teaching them the right skills they needed to become an adult
In DNA most of the characters shown no interest in school on their futures besides Danny who wants to become a dentist
What terms did the media and politicians are used to describe Britain?
“Broken Society” and “Broken Britain”
It shows that citizens acted for themselves rather than in a socially responsible way
This idea is reflected in the behaviour of the characters as they commit terrible acts and choose to lie about Adams disappearance
What was technology like in 2007 Britain?
Technology became more advanced and mobile phones and social media was an everyday use
How did the growth in technology use affect Britain?
It led to an increase in social isolation
Young people bang to free ore lonely and attached
How is the affect of technology represented in DNA?
Leah says “I haven’t got friends”
Despite being apart of the gang group she feels like she is alone
This suggest their is a lack of proper and real relationships in the play which explains why they all act so disrespectful to each other
How did technology lead to teenagers acting more violent?
Violent content on the internet has become easier to access suggesting that these young people because desensitised to violence
For example Phil and Cathy both use threatening gestures throughout the play
How do the gang react to the disappearance of Adam?
The character fail to take responsibility for their actions
They don’t contact the police or tried to get help for Adam
This affects the audience as it forces them to question who ultimately was responsible for Adam’s death it makes the audience question their attitudes towards others in real life
How is DNA presented in the play?
DNA evidence is central to the group lies
DNA is believed to always give the truth and avoid people from their lies and wrong actions
However this plate juxtaposes this idea as the gang use DNA evidence to plant on the post man and keep them out of danger
Which characters of the play feel more guilty about Adams potential death?
Brian wants to tell the truth but he is forced to lie
John Tate decides to withdraw from the group early in the play
Danny worried about his reputation and future of becoming a dentist
Leah desperately tries to stop Phil from killing Adam once he’s been found which ends up with her leaving Phil and the whole group and changing schools
Which characters feel much less guilty about Adams ‘death’?
Cathy enjoys the drama about Adams disappearance and finds it exciting
Jan and Mark seem less affected by these events they shoplift at the end of the play and they show similarity in their actions and characteristics which indicates that their lives have carried on as before
How is Power and group dynamics represented in the play?
Power shifts between characters throughout the play
As the play continues and progresses different characters become more and less ruthless and controlling which changes the roles of the leader in the gang
The leaders become more powerful as the play continues making the audience worry about what the group may do next
Who are the three main leaders of the gang throughout the play?
The first leader is John Tate however he is insecure in his leadership and people tend to challenge him
The second leader is Phil who maintains an majority of control throughout the play and threatens people by manipulating them into doing things
The final leader is Cathy Who is the most violent as Richard explained that “she cut a first years finger off”
Who are the victims of the gang in DNA?
The main victim is Adam
This shows that weaker characters become victims of the group as they abuse him physically and mentally
Mark and Jan suggest that he allowed himself to be bullied because he will really wanted to be a part of the group and they take advantage of his desperation
Brian is another victim of the play who is intimidated by the much stronger characters as Phil easily threatens him
How does DNA present bullying in the play?
Bullying is used to gain power and authority in the group
The more confident characters bully the weaker characters as a way of gaining and maintaining power
What is a mob mentality?
A mob mentality is when people act the same way as those around them ignoring their true feelings and principles
This can result in people acting violent and irrational
What shows that the characters were physically harmed?
Cathy slaps Brian
What shows that the characters are verbally bullied?
Cathy tells Brian to shut up or he’ll be dead
