Our Country's Good by Timberlake Wertenbaker

Ok, bit of a problem...
For an English A2 exam we have been set the play, Our Country's Good. Sadly, my teacher for this is terrible and I need to teach it to myself to have any hope of an A grade! I can't find any help on this anywhere though, its not on any thing like Sparknotes etc. and seems to be relatively unheard of as an English A level text. I have found it on some theatre sites but they study it from a stage production perspective. I wondered if anyone else is studying this for A level and/or whether you know of anything that could help? Thanks! :smile:

Reply 1

party_monster

im studying it for drama, but i guess from an english perspective youd hav to compare the contrasting language used between the prisoners and the officers, and show how the officers behave worse, morrally, then the prisoners. and show how Williams adds humanising touches to the prisoners, such as between Duckling and Harry, Mary and Wisehammer.
also talk about themes of paranoia and madness with Harry.
ah man theres loads, but its a real good play, dnt let ur ribbish teacher put u off it.

Reply 2

Bubblebee

I did it for drama last year, found a good book of notes on it...I think it was a york notes one. If you want any specific help on an area PM me and I will try and find my old notes!

Reply 3

TheWeatherLady

Bubblebee

I did it for drama last year, found a good book of notes on it...I think it was a york notes one. If you want any specific help on an area PM me and I will try and find my old notes!

Thanks very much, if you could find out what book that was that would be great; problem is I need help with the whole thing! Pretty much going to have to teach it to myself... :s-smilie:

Reply 4

Kidders

I'm doing it for theatre studies, may be able to offer you some help as we do cover the play in a lot of detail, probably more than most realise!

Reply 5

TheWeatherLady

Kidders

I'm doing it for theatre studies, may be able to offer you some help as we do cover the play in a lot of detail, probably more than most realise!

Thanks, Are there any books or anything online that you know of that have info on?
I'm just having trouble because I cant really analyse it, I personally dont think there's enough depth to the story and the writer makes her points about society in terribly cheesy ways lol. I think its definitly better for theatre studies courses.

Reply 6

Nick_S

Do we need to know about the playmaker in depth? as well as the relevance of The recruiting officer?!

Reply 7

natfat

Hey! I'm also studying it for theatre studies, I don't think Wertenbaker is putting her points accross 'cheesily' she's just very blunt in her criticisms. She using the example of prisoners being transported to Australia to criticise contemporary society especially Margaret Thatcher's rule!

Reply 8

tara Curry

I am studying 'our countrys good'. Does anyone have any ideas of which contemporary issues related to thatchers rule Timberlake Wertenbaker refered to throughout our countrys good? thanks!