Transcript The Letterbox by Ann Marie Di Mambro

The Letterbox
by
Ann Marie Di Mambro
The Letterbox
The Letterbox is a short
monologue.
Themes:
Domestic Violence
Female Solidarity
Child Abuse
Denial
Society Turning a Blind Eye
Society as Judgemental
The Letterbox
Significance of the title
It gives nothing away about the content of the play
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This reflects the efforts of the main protagonist to give nothing away
to society about her situation.
A letterbox connects us to the wider world through mail. We cannot
see the sender. Martha is sending verbal messages to Wendy
loaded with significance about the complexities of adult relations
which the little girl does not fully comprehend. She cannot see the
whole picture.
In a letter you might have to read between the lines. In Martha’s
spoken words you have “read between the lines” because she is
not being wholly honest and we have to guess at Wendy’s words.
The Letterbox
“Jack and Jill” frame the monologue.
This devise represents wider society and contrasts with
Martha’s plight.
Jack and Jill are happy, carefree stereotypical lovers.
However, the nursery rhyme itself is quite violent,
but the violence is trivialised
by the regular rhythm.
Violence in Martha’s life is not trivial,
it is brutal, and her domestic reality does not conform to
society’s expectation of the happy family.
The Letterbox
The husband is sleeping like a baby.
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Is he oblivious to the impact of his actions?
Does he care?
Does he think it is his right to treat his family
like this?
The Letterbox - Martha
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Does Martha think he has a right to treat her this
way?
Is the author saying that Martha is responsible
for her own plight?
Who is in control here?
What is your opinion of Martha – is she to blame?
Do you feel empathy for her? Does she have any
responsibility for the situation as it is?
The Letterbox – as part of an essay
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What are the social issues that the
playwright is concerned with? (Think about
those in the other 3 plays we have studied
if you are struggling)
How are they conveyed to the audience?
What comment is Di Mambro making about
society? Is there another significance to the
lack of specific date than outlined before?
The Letterbox – Gender Issues
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Which gender themes are explored by the
playwright?
What is Di Mambro saying about :
Family?
Marriage?
Children?