Summer Of The Seventeenth Doll

Summer of the Seventeenth Doll: A Deep Dive into Australian Identity and the Passage of Time

Meta Description: Explore Ray Lawler's iconic play, Summer of the Seventeenth Doll, examining its portrayal of Australian masculinity, the fleeting nature of time, and the complexities of human relationships. Discover the themes, characters, and enduring legacy of this seminal Australian work.

Introduction:

Ray Lawler's Summer of the Seventeenth Doll, first performed in 1955, is a cornerstone of Australian theatre. More than just a play about sugarcane cutters and their annual pilgrimage to Melbourne, it's a poignant exploration of masculinity, aging, changing times, and the bittersweet nature of loyalty and love. This article will delve deep into the play's intricate plot, character development, thematic concerns, and its lasting impact on Australian cultural identity. We will unpack the complexities of the relationships, the symbolic power of the setting, and the enduring questions the play raises about the passage of time and the fragility of human connection.

The Sugarcane Season and the Ritual of Melbourne

The play revolves around the annual ritual of cane-cutting in Bundaberg, Queensland, and the subsequent trip to Melbourne for the cane-cutters to celebrate their hard work. The central characters are Barney and Roo, two seasoned cane-cutters who have spent years following this ritual. Their Melbourne tradition involves indulging in city life and spending time with their respective girlfriends, Olive and Nancy. This routine, ingrained through years of habit, forms the backdrop against which the play explores themes of change and the impact of time. The "seventeenth doll" in the title refers to the number of years Barney has spent bringing a doll back for Olive as a gift – a symbol of their enduring, albeit unconventional, relationship. The impending end of this ritual serves as a catalyst for the play's central conflicts.

Characters: A Study in Contrasting Personalities

• Barney: The older, more established figure, Barney is presented as a man deeply rooted in tradition. His relationship with Olive, while longstanding, is fraught with unspoken tensions and underlying insecurities. His stubborn refusal to acknowledge the changing dynamics between himself and Olive, fueled by his fear of change and loneliness, is a central element of the play's dramatic conflict. Barney represents a fading generation clinging to familiar routines in the face of an uncertain future.

• Roo: Barney's younger, more adaptable friend, Roo, provides a foil to Barney’s rigidity. Roo is initially more optimistic and flexible, able to accept change more readily. However, his encounter with the changing dynamics of his relationship with Nancy challenges his assumptions about stability and companionship. Roo’s journey reflects the complexities of navigating changing societal expectations and personal growth.

• Olive: Olive is a complex and multifaceted character, trapped in a relationship that is simultaneously comforting and stifling. Her age, as a woman whose prime is fading, creates friction within her relationship with Barney. Despite the gifts and shared routine, a simmering resentment underlies her reliance on Barney. Olive’s struggle reveals the limitations placed on women in the era and their struggle for autonomy.

• Nancy: Nancy, younger and more independent than Olive, represents a new generation of women with aspirations that transcend traditional roles. She provides a significant contrast to Olive. Her actions reveal a stronger sense of self and a willingness to seek opportunities beyond the confines of her relationship with Roo. Nancy's character highlights the evolving expectations and ambitions of women in post-war Australia.

Themes: Exploring the Undercurrents of Summer of the Seventeenth Doll

• The Passage of Time and Aging: This is arguably the most significant theme. The play explores the anxieties and uncertainties associated with aging and the difficulty of accepting change. The annual ritual, once a source of comfort and stability, now signifies the passage of time and its impact on the characters' lives and relationships. The seventeenth year acts as a symbolic tipping point, representing the end of an era and the necessity of confronting the future.

• Masculinity and Identity: Lawler’s play offers a compelling exploration of Australian masculinity, challenging idealized notions of strength and stoicism. The characters' struggle to reconcile their traditional roles with changing societal expectations forms a core element of the narrative. The play exposes the vulnerabilities and insecurities underlying masculine bravado. The men’s reliance on their annual ritual highlights their dependence on these established patterns of behavior.

• Loyalty and Betrayal: The relationships in the play are bound by loyalty and tradition, but are also tested by changing circumstances and shifting loyalties. Barney's possessive and somewhat outdated view of his relationship with Olive creates conflicts. Roo's initial willingness to accept changes in the relationship with Nancy contrasts with Barney's rigid adherence to his own tradition. The play explores the tensions between personal desires and the obligations of long-standing relationships.

• Urban vs. Rural: The play contrasts the urban environment of Melbourne with the rural setting of Bundaberg. Melbourne, with its vibrancy and modernity, represents change and opportunity, while Bundaberg, with its established routines, symbolizes tradition and stability. The characters’ journeys between these two locations mirror their internal struggles with change and their attempts to reconcile different aspects of their lives.

• The Changing Role of Women: The women in Summer of the Seventeenth Doll represent the shifting roles of women in post-war Australian society. Olive and Nancy’s contrasting characters highlight the transition between traditional expectations and the emergence of more independent and assertive women. Their relationships with the men are marked by both dependence and a growing desire for autonomy.

The Setting: Bundaberg and Melbourne as Symbolic Spaces

The play's settings are not merely backdrops; they are integral to its thematic exploration. Bundaberg, with its cane fields and established routines, represents a world of tradition and stability, while Melbourne, with its bustling streets and modern atmosphere, symbolizes change and opportunity. This contrast reflects the characters' internal conflicts as they navigate the transition between the familiar and the unknown. The shift between these spaces acts as a catalyst for the unfolding drama, forcing the characters to confront the changes occurring in their lives and relationships.

The Enduring Legacy of Summer of the Seventeenth Doll

Summer of the Seventeenth Doll continues to resonate with audiences today because of its universal themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. Its exploration of Australian masculinity and the changing roles of women remains relevant, prompting ongoing discussions about gender dynamics and societal expectations. The play’s enduring popularity stems from its ability to evoke empathy and understanding in the audience. The characters’ struggles are relatable, prompting reflection on our own experiences with change, loss, and the complexities of human relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the significance of the "seventeenth doll"? The seventeenth doll symbolizes the long-standing tradition and the seemingly unchanging nature of Barney and Olive's relationship. The impending end of this tradition represents the need for change and acceptance of new realities.

• What are the key conflicts in the play? The central conflicts arise from the changing relationships between Barney and Olive, and Roo and Nancy, against the backdrop of the ending of their annual ritual. The conflict arises from the characters' different approaches to change and aging.

• How does the play represent Australian identity? Summer of the Seventeenth Doll offers a nuanced portrayal of Australian identity, exploring themes of masculinity, loyalty, tradition, and the impact of urbanization on rural communities. The characters’ struggles reflect broader societal shifts in post-war Australia.

• What is the play's lasting impact on Australian theatre? Summer of the Seventeenth Doll is considered a landmark work in Australian theatre, establishing Lawler's position as a significant playwright and influencing subsequent generations of Australian playwrights.

Conclusion: A Timeless Exploration of Human Experience

Ray Lawler's Summer of the Seventeenth Doll transcends its specific historical context to offer a timeless exploration of human experience. Its enduring power lies in its ability to capture the universal anxieties surrounding change, aging, and the fragility of human relationships. Through its richly drawn characters and poignant exploration of themes, the play continues to captivate audiences and provoke discussion, cementing its place as a masterpiece of Australian theatre. The play’s legacy extends beyond its artistic merit; it prompts continuous dialogues on evolving social norms, gender roles, and the human condition itself. Its exploration of the complex interplay between tradition and modernity remains profoundly relevant in a constantly changing world. The play’s success lies in its ability to elicit both empathy and contemplation, offering a profound reflection on the human journey through time and transformation.