John Tate Flashcards
how is john tate presented in the beginning of the play?
violent
“new rule that word banned”
this is a severe action to the group, using a word that John Tate does not like . his dislike, for the word exist due to his inability to face the consequences of his actions
Asserts himself as a leader during a time of uncertainty, perhaps this is Kelly’s, implicit criticism of tyrannical and dictatorial leaders, who historically fail due to their disregard of what’s better for their society. Perhaps this linked to Tyrannical leadership is to foreshadow, John Tate will not last as a leader
“if anyone says it, I’m going to have to you know, bite their face or something”
attempt of aggression, use violent language to try and assert himself. This threat itself is an empty threat due to him, undermining himself by saying “or something”which shows his uncertainty at what he would actually do if someone was to say the word dead again.
“that just leaves you, Brian and crying little piece of filth”
escalation of violence when addressing Brian who is the weakest member of the group. Arguably, this is what all ineffective tyrannical leaders. Do they use the most vulnerable as examples to instill fear within the rest of the people as a way of getting them to follow their orders again this foreshadows is inability to lead the group. He dehumanises Brian by reducing him to filth suggesting he is unimportant and valuess. This also exposed the toxic traits and hierarchies within the groups like these
“are you on our side? “
he is said it’s cathy Richard and Lou as a way of showing them the consequences of standing against him. This is his desperate attempt at holding onto this power within the group before phil takes over.
how is your john tate presented in the middle of the play?
ineffective leader and isolated
“they say John Tate lost it, though wont come out of his room”
The hyperbolic description of his mental decline shows us that he is consumed by guilt for what he/the group has done his self confiment, could symbolise the inability to face his own actions and wrongdoings
How is your tape presented at the end of the play?
religious/moral
“John Tate’s found God. yeah yeah I know .he’s joined the Jesus army “
the Extreme reform of his character by the end, shows us his desperation to repent. his motivations have now changed. He wants to spend his life creating positive change as opposed to enforcing suffering. He has ultimately learned the moral lesson.
