Answer the following questions:

1. Think about the prevalence of violence in our society. List all the forms of violence, both social, and personal which you can think of (eg domestic violence, violence in sport etc.)

2. Consider the notion that certain forms of violence are either approved of or passively accepted by large sections of our society. E.g. Kenny in the play. In recently conducted surveys, an alarmingly high proprtion of trhe AUstralian population considered it acceptable (or at least not criminal for a husband to hit his wife under certain circumstances).  The question is, “Is domestic violence socially acceptable in Australian society?” In your books, divide the forms of violence listed earlier  (in answer to Question 1) into two headings: Acceptable under some circumstances and Not acceptable under any circumstances. Do these groupings tell you anything about the nature of Australian Society?

3. Write a short discussion on the following” (a) As a sociey, do we still acccept male aggressiveness as a sign of male virility? Is a male’s social standing raised or lowered, iff he performs well in a physical fight? Do you identify more with the ‘tough guy’ or the ‘wimp’ when you watch a movie?   (b) Do our attitudes towards female violence (eg girls catfights in the playground) differ fromthe attitudes generally adopted towards similar violence on thepart of males?

Title: The Removalists

The Macquarie Dictionary defines a removalist as ‘a person or firm engaged in the moving of household or office furniture.’ As used in the plural in Williamson’s title, however, the term obviously has ironic connotations (look up the word in the dictionary if you don’t understand). Exactly, who are Williamson’s removalists and what do they remove? How?

http://web.archive.org/web/20051107010423/http://www.hccy.cg.catholic.edu.au/home/pamela_cohen/removalists/removalistindex.htm

1. What is your image of masculinity? Find an example of masculinity and post it on your blog.

2. What do you consider to be ‘un-masculine’ in a male? Why?

3. Do you think your opinion of masculinity has been influenced and shaped by the society you have grown up in? Explain and give examples.

How does Williamson use language to create his characters? (look at and use the colloquialisms, slang, swearing and sexist language).

Are all the characters stereotypes?

Why has Williamson created the characters he has in The Removalists?

Challenge question: Imagine you are Ross. Write Ross’ defence of what he has done.

Do not forget to complete the tasks that was set out on Wednesday. I will check it on Monday P1. Please also check the website on The Removlists through Wikipedia on violence and masculinity.