Cosi Themes Analysis

A detailed Summary of Cosi Themes Analysis


Louis Nowra's Cosi is focused around a Lewis, fresh out of university, yet still unsure of himself and his place in society, Lewis finds a job directing a play within an asylum. Lewis struggles to assert himself amongst these patients, and eventually succumbs to the pressure and control of the enthused Roy. Roy has 'already chosen 'cosi fan tutte', an opera by Mozart centred around love and fidelity, morals that Lewis himself is trying to comprehend. Within the surrounds of the Vietnam war in the 1970's, Cosi presents two extremes in sanity and insanity, its representation is farcical, yet powerful. Louis stands divided by the two, unsure of his own beliefs and morals as they conflict with Nick, Lewis' friend who is assured of his place in society. The resolutions made by Lewis as he observes and partakes between the two worlds provide him with a resolution, forcing the audience t consider the values of the sane world in the 1970's; to consider their own morals.

Nowra's use of farcical comedy structure within Cosi, represents his own idea of humanity; that nobody is perfect, yet we can deal with insanity and defect, by laughter or criticism. The 'sane' world of the 1970's represents humanities flaws. A time where society


Doug, an aggressive pyromaniac who is obsessed with sex, asks questions that are personal and confronting. He acts as a comic relief in Cosi, but questions like "Was Lucy a virgin when you first had her?" not only serve as comedy, but a reminder that sometimes actions have further implications than those first considered. Doug is a believer in free love, "I believe in free love but it is hard to practise it in here.", showing that his mental state is not a reflection of his morals but rather an illness beyond his control.

Nick and Lucy are friends of Lewis, they believe in infidelity, and practice it by 'having sex' whilst Lucy is involved with Lewis. Nick is into the moratorium, at that time it represented rebellion against the Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War. Lewis is against the Vietnam War, but is not fanatical and arrogant like Nick, not betraying his own country by sending supplies to the enemy. Lewis' confusion is evident, at the start of the play he accepts free love as a conformist ideal, but reflects his true belief that love and relationships are more important than sex. Lewis demonstrates the ability to accept change, however he also shows his reluctance to assert his own morals upon others. Nowra forces his a

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Approximate Word count = 840
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

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