In your opinion, how key is the parent-child relationship to Vinod`s inevitable end?
Vinod's parents basically abandoned him by denying that he has mental problems. Vinod's parent's absence in the play proves to us that they have no involvement and care for Vinod's life. Vinod also doesn't really talk and reveal much about his parents. Only during act 2 scene 3, Saloma asks him and he talks about his parents. Vinod's parent, like parents these days, dont spend much time with their children and spend more time on work. Vinod's parents is an example of parents in today's society. Vinod's father is a judge and his mother is a chairperson of a corporation. From the book, act 2 scene 3, " -Saloma, i'd rather not talk about my parents. Their careers are going well. They are top people. So high you cannot see them anymore ". Vinod also craves for love and warmth but, his parents only pushes him with high hopes and expectations. Evidence from the book are, act 2 scene 3, " I'm the physical physical type. I like touch. You know... but they are formal." and, act 2 scene 3 " he needs a hug ". Both evidences shows that Vinod wants love form his parents. His lacking in parental love could also be the cause of his mental illness and his end.
'Vinod`s high expectations of himself caused his downfall.' to what extent do you agree with this analysis of Vinod predicament and tragedy?
I agree to much extent that Vinod’s high expectation of himself caused his downfall. Vinod thought that he could carry any burden on his back. One such burden is, Saloma. From Vinod’s perspective, Saloma was a lost kitten that he had found. Instead, of having somebody to care about, it looks more as if it was an extra burden that he had to carry. Like the saying, 'misery loves company'. Vinod thinks highly of himself and this could be the result of his parent’s high hopes and expectations for him.
Discuss the reason for saloma`s transformation in the play.
The reasons for Saloma's transformation in the play could emotional help from her friends and medication as a cure for their mental illness. Firstly, when Saloma met Emily at the halfway house, Emily taught her a mantra,(from act 2 scene 2) " They are jealous because i am special" and " I am strong. Nothing can destroy me ". These two mantras that Saloma was taught about, made her feel emotionally stronger when facing problems and it also made her believe in herself. The mantra was used during a conversation she had with Vinod and he was impressed with her strong words. Secondly, taking her medication could also be one of the reasons. Since the start of the play,(act 1 scene 2) Vinod and Saloma have been in a disagreement on wether medicine could cure them. Saloma finds medication as the solution of her mental illness. Saloma has been taking her medicine eventhough Mak and Vinod disagree in medication. When Saloma takes her medication, she gets better. But on the other hand, when Vinod takes his medication, he encounters side effects such as trembling hands. This could be the reason why Vinod hates medicines. Apart from Vinod, Mak also disagree in taking medication as a cure. Mak, who is a very religious character, believes that there is nothing wrong with Saloma and refers Saloma's illness in religious terms such as not praying well, being cursed or offended God. Another point to add in is, when Vinod came into a state of depression and shuts himself in his room, Saloma felt that she had to be independant and learn to live by herself. On that act, Saloma might have learnt that has to take care of herself and not be dependable on Vinod. One incident is, the robbery. During the robbery, it was Vinod who freaked out instead of Saloma. Saloma seemed to be more brave than Vinod. She was also the one who proposed to write a letter of complain to the newspaper for insulting mental patients instead of Vinod who was supposed to be smarter and brave in the start. To conclude, the reasons for Saloma's transformation could be, the mantras that Emily taught her and medications that she took to cure her mental problems.
"Though a minor role in the play , the character Razali is the key to the plot of off centre." To what extent do you agree with this assement ?
Eventhough the character Razali played a minor role, i agree to much extent that he was the key to plot Off Centre. One incident that proves my stand is, the robbery. During the robbery Razali wasn’t there to help Vinod and Saloma. Vinod then blame Razali for his absence. From the book, (act 5 scene 1) “ During the robbery! You are the guard. You were supposed to guard us. How come you’re not around when we need you the most?”. His absence could also mean that mental patients are less important than normal people. In the society today, mental patients are being looked down, taken advantage of, and are being less important than normal people. This could be the key to the plot, Off centre.
Datta , Dayadhvam , Damyata" means to "Give , Sympathise , Control". How did the major characters in the play exert control in their enviroment and / or their lives ? Support your answer with evidence from the text .
one example of control ccan be seen throughout the story where vinod tries to control saloma`s life.He thinks that he is responsible for Saloma and that he should take care of Saloma like a stray kitten which he had found.Emily also tries to control Vinod when she appears in Vinod`s dreams.In that scene,the phrase 'Datta , Dayadhvam , Damyata' is first mentioned in the story.
Based on the text Off Centre, discuss how peer acceptance and family support are vital to social status and mental well-being.
Peer acceptance and family support are both important to social status and a person`s mental well-being. Firstly, family support,as seen form the play, we can see that Vinod's parent's absence tells us that they do not have any care and concern for him. And, in the end, Vinod`ssuicides and lack of parental love could be the cause of it. From the book, act 2 scene 3, " He wanted to rush home and confront his parents ". From the evidence, we can see that he craves for parental love. He wanted his parents to care and show concern for him.Secondly, Vinod's rejection from the society and his friends proves that support from friends are important. From the play, act 5 scene 1, " Maybe you're not ready to be intergrated into the real world ". This evidence shows us Mr Chow's rejection of Vinod. After being fired, Vinod doesn't want to work because of society's rejection of mental patients.Another evidence is, " Well, it would help if some of my friends called once in a while... if ONE of my friends called ". From this evidence we can see that Vinod's " friends " rejected him because of his mental illness.In conclusion, both peer acceptance and family support is important to social status and mental well-being.
