Themes
Name two dangers Link faces on the streets.
Danger from violence (e.g. Shelter), cold weather, hunger, isolation.
What is the name of the technique when a character’s feelings or thoughts are shown through their spoken words or actions? Hint: Writers do this to create realistic characters!
Characterization
What technique is used when a character speaks directly to the audience?
Direct address (character speaks to audience).
Who says, “You might as well be invisible.”? What does this reveal about them?
Link; it shows he feels ignored and “invisible” to society.
What does “rough sleeping” mean?
Sleeping outside without shelter or home.
What feeling does Link express about being “invisible”?
Isolation; Feeling of invisibility, being ignored or unseen by society.
What is the technique called when Shelter’s dialogue or actions hint at his dangerous intentions without directly stating them?
Foreshadowing
What is emotive language?
Language used to evoke strong feelings/emotions in the reader.
Identify the emotion Link expresses in: “Ever get the feeling you’re not wanted?”
Link expresses feelings of loneliness and rejection.
Why might someone become homeless?
Losing home due to family breakdown, poverty, or other reasons.
How does Shelter justify his actions?
He believes he is “cleansing” society by removing homeless people.
Which literary technique is shown in Link’s comparison to “bones scraping on the concrete”?
Metaphor — comparing bones scraping on concrete to emphasise pain and discomfort.
What are stage directions?
Instructions in the script that describe actions, movements, or emotions of characters.
Which techniques can you find in this quote? “How do they do it, night after night? Feels like I'm sitting on ice...”
Techniques include imagery (cold feeling), metaphor (“sitting on ice”), and direct address.
What are some challenges homeless people face in the play?
Lack of food, cold, fear, violence, loneliness.
What theme is shown by Link’s interaction with Ginger?
Theme of danger and mistrust, also survival on the streets; failure of government
What technique can create a sad or emotional effect in writing?
Emotive language can create sadness or empathy.
Give me an example of a simile and a metaphor.
.
What does the stage direction “[Ginger starts to chomp at the Snicker. Link watches. It's obvious he's hungry himself.]” show about Link’s situation?
The stage directions show Link’s hunger and shared struggle with Ginger without words.
How does society treat homeless people in Act 1? Give a reference from the play.
They are often ignored, avoided, or treated unfairly. Can be seen from the people on the street, the landlord, police officer, or attendant.
What message about society does the play’s opening scene convey?
Society ignores and marginalises homeless people; Link feels invisible.
What is the name of the technique where the audience knows more about Shelter’s true intentions than the other characters do?
Dramatic Irony
What is symbolism?
Using an object, character, or event to represent a bigger idea or theme.
Analyse the imagery and mood in this quote: “[Peering into the darkness] Phwarrr! This must be the most disgusting place on earth. Smells like a cow-shed...”
Vivid sensory imagery (smell and darkness) creates a harsh, unpleasant mood emphasising homelessness’s hardship.
Suggest one way the play encourages empathy for homeless people.
By showing their struggles and humanity, encouraging empathy and understanding.