In 1993 the play "Kindertransport" by Diane Samuels was performed for the first time by the Soho Theatre Company. Ever since, the play has been performed in various productions all over the world and still celebrates massive success. The piece focuses on the story of a little Jewish girl named Eva, who has to leave her family and home in Germany to travel to a foster family in England. The play depicts Eva’s experiences with the Kindertransport and shows her new life in England as a young girl and later on as an older woman who has a grown-up daughter. Next to Eva, her mother her foster mother and her daughter, there is one other noteworthy character, the Ratcatcher. This mythic character is an omnipresent figure that accompanies Eva through the whole play.
This research paper will examine the significance and functions that the character the Ratcatcher in the play Kindertransport obtains. All of the following research will be used to confirm or negate the subsequent thesis: The Ratcatcher is an essential character in the play Kindertransport. In order to do so, an emphasis will be put on the origin of this character, namely the Pied Piper, and the differences between these two individuals will be highlighted. Furthermore, the play will be closely analysed and the most important themes in reference to the Ratcatcher and his story will be explored.
The final part of this research paper will then summarise all of the findings, it will explain how Diane Samuels uses the character of the Ratcatcher in her play and the stated thesis will be confirmed or negated. Eventually, an outlook will be given, which focuses on further possibilities to analyse the behaviour of the Ratcatcher and the relationships he obtains during the play.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. The Ratcatcher
- 2.1. Origins - The Pied Piper of Hamlin
- 2.2. Diane Samuels's Ratcatcher
- 3. Kindertransport – The Ratcatcher's part in the play
- 3.1. The Ratcatcher in different Parts
- 3.2. The Ratcatcher and National Socialism
- 3.3. The Ratcatcher and Music
- 3.4. The Ratcatcher and Trains
- 3.5. The book: The Ratcatcher of Hamlin
- 4. Conclusion and Outlook
Objectives and Key Themes
This research paper examines the significance of the Ratcatcher character in Diane Samuels's play, Kindertransport. It aims to determine the character's importance to the overall narrative and explore his functions within the play. The analysis will consider the Ratcatcher's origins in the Pied Piper legend, highlighting differences and similarities between the two figures. The paper will also closely analyze the play, exploring key themes related to the Ratcatcher and his role.
- The origins and evolution of the Ratcatcher character from the Pied Piper legend.
- The Ratcatcher's multiple representations and appearances within the play.
- The thematic connections between the Ratcatcher and key events in Eva's life.
- The symbolic representation of the Ratcatcher as a manifestation of repressed emotions and fears.
- The Ratcatcher's role in exploring themes of trauma, guilt, and memory.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces Diane Samuels's play Kindertransport and focuses on the enigmatic Ratcatcher character. It establishes the central research question: Is the Ratcatcher an essential character in the play? The introduction highlights the play's success and its focus on Eva's experiences during the Kindertransport. The chapter lays out the methodology, emphasizing the importance of examining the Ratcatcher's origins in the Pied Piper legend and analyzing his functions within the play's narrative. It also previews the study's structure, outlining the analysis of the Ratcatcher's various appearances and their thematic significance. The chapter sets the stage for a deep dive into the complex role of the Ratcatcher in understanding the emotional landscape of the play.
2. The Ratcatcher: This chapter delves into the character of the Ratcatcher, establishing his connection to the German folktale of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the original legend to fully appreciate Samuels's adaptation. The chapter sets up a comparison between the traditional Pied Piper and Samuels's interpretation, anticipating the exploration of differences and the reasons behind Samuels's creative choices. It paves the way for a detailed analysis of how the author reshaped the mythical figure to fit the specific narrative and thematic concerns of Kindertransport.
3. Kindertransport - The Ratcatcher in the Play: This chapter focuses on the Ratcatcher's various appearances and functions within the play itself. The analysis moves beyond the direct appearances of the Ratcatcher's shadow, incorporating instances where the book and story are mentioned. The chapter also considers the significance of the same actor playing both the Ratcatcher and four other male characters who have relationships with Eva. This multifaceted approach aims to uncover the full extent of the Ratcatcher's symbolic importance and his relationship to the overarching themes of the play, deepening our understanding of how he functions as a narrative and thematic device.
Keywords
Kindertransport, Diane Samuels, Ratcatcher, Pied Piper, National Socialism, trauma, memory, guilt, shadow, childhood, identity, cautionary tale, repressed emotions.
Diane Samuels's Kindertransport: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main focus of this research paper?
This research paper examines the significance of the Ratcatcher character in Diane Samuels's play, Kindertransport. It analyzes the character's importance to the overall narrative and explores his various functions within the play.
What are the key themes explored in relation to the Ratcatcher?
The paper explores several key themes related to the Ratcatcher, including his origins and evolution from the Pied Piper legend, his multiple representations and appearances in the play, his thematic connections to key events in Eva's life, his symbolic representation as repressed emotions and fears, and his role in exploring themes of trauma, guilt, and memory.
How does the paper approach the analysis of the Ratcatcher?
The analysis considers the Ratcatcher's origins in the Pied Piper legend, highlighting similarities and differences between the two figures. It closely analyzes the play, focusing on the Ratcatcher's various appearances and their thematic significance. The paper also considers the significance of the same actor playing both the Ratcatcher and other male characters connected to Eva.
What are the chapter summaries?
Chapter 1 (Introduction): Introduces Kindertransport and the Ratcatcher, establishing the central research question and methodology. Chapter 2 (The Ratcatcher): Explores the Ratcatcher's connection to the Pied Piper legend, comparing the original legend to Samuels's adaptation. Chapter 3 (Kindertransport - The Ratcatcher in the Play): Focuses on the Ratcatcher's appearances and functions within the play, analyzing his symbolic importance and relationship to overarching themes. Chapter 4 (Conclusion and Outlook): [Summary not provided in source material].
What is the overall structure of the research paper?
The paper includes an introduction, a section detailing the Ratcatcher's connection to the Pied Piper legend, an in-depth analysis of the Ratcatcher's role in Kindertransport, and a conclusion (content of the conclusion not detailed in the provided preview).
What are the keywords associated with this research?
Keywords include: Kindertransport, Diane Samuels, Ratcatcher, Pied Piper, National Socialism, trauma, memory, guilt, shadow, childhood, identity, cautionary tale, repressed emotions.
What is the significance of the same actor playing multiple roles?
The paper highlights the significance of the same actor playing both the Ratcatcher and four other male characters who have relationships with Eva. This is analyzed as a significant aspect of the Ratcatcher's symbolic importance and his connection to the play's themes.
What is the overall objective of the research?
To determine the Ratcatcher's importance to the overall narrative of Kindertransport and explore his functions within the play.
Where can I find more information about this research?
The provided text is a preview and does not include a full citation or publication details. Further information would need to be sought from the original source material.
- Citation du texte
- Anonym (Auteur), 2017, The Significance of the Ratcatcher in the Play "Kindertransport" by Diane Samuels, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/433433
