C It’s cruel and an abuse of power to deny people control over their own lives. The hospital’s view, like the view of our society today, is that euthanasia is illegal and that doctors must try to preserve life and cannot destroy it. compares himself to an object (a ‘skateboard’) – feels useless…. Whose Life Is It Anyway? They cannot deliberately let a conscious person die. 150 words) The play is about Ken Harrison who has … H Ken, now furious with Mrs Boyle’s refusal (or inability) to treat him as a human being and pointing out the irony that the professional detachment which she thinks will help, actually makes him feel like less of a human being and confirms his determination to seek his own death (page 29). Mr Hill (pages 65–6). The fact that Ken, the main character, is fully conscious throughout and wishes to end his own life is both a powerful and emotive event. 9 his liveliness and sense of humour lighten the tone of a serious (and potentially miserable) play. It was adapted by Brian Clark and Reginald Rose from Clark's 1972 television movie and 1978 stage play, all under the same title. Ken makes an impassioned case to the Judge about the dignity of choice. Ken (page 73). J Sister to Mr Hill, confirming that she has overheard his earlier remark suggesting that she has no feelings (page 60). “You are depressed, ” he insists. He is left paralysed following a road traffic accident. We are talking about a man’s right to determine his own future. funny (compares the adjustable bed to a lift in a department store).. 5 How does Kay show her inexperience as a nurse? It is a mercy for him, to be rescued from his unhappy life. F It’s degrading to use technology keep a person alive against their will. Prior to this he was a very successful sculptor in a stable relationship. sad, relieved, triumphant, disappointed, hopeful (like Dr Emerson) that Ken will change his mind. In the play,” written by Brian Clarke, the intense argument of committing Voluntary Euthanasia is discussed. There’s no blood; there’s no screaming: so you can’t see it. He takes the view that Harrison is suffering from depression and is therefore incapable of giving valid consent to his treatment. Your Honour, if you saw a mutilated animal on the side of the road, you’d shoot it. Whose life is it anyway is an ironic tale, where doctors and nurses are cast as villains, for fighting to preserve life; and the protagonist proved his sanity by providing a reasonable, logical argument for his right to choose to die. ( Log Out / This goes against Dr Emerson’s values as a doctor as he believes it is his responsibility to do everything in his power to keep his patients alive. This is the first time in months I’ve felt like a human being again. If you’re clever enough to put forward a convincing argument for suicide you ought not to be able to die. The resulting judicial hearing rehearses the euthanasia debate and in particular the relevance of psychiatric assessment to the establishment of consent. The play is set about four months after a car crash which paralyses Ken from the neck down. It tortures me with thoughts of what might have been, and what might be to come and I can feel my mind, very slowly, breaking up. 3 Why won’t you agree to discharge Mr. Harrison even though he is a voluntary patient and wants to be discharged? There are precedents for both sides … Mr Harrison’s mind has been affected …however, I am satisfied that Mr Harrison is a brave and thoughtful man who is in complete possession of his mental faculties, and I therefore order that he be set free. “ Whose Life is it anyway ?” is a play by Brian Clark, written in the late 1970’s, and tells the story of paralysed Ken Harrison and his fight against the establishment, particularly Doctor Emerson the consultant physician, to be allowed the choice to end his life. Within a few minutes the dialogue moves from a cheerful greeting to anger, breathlessness and the Sister’s emergency application of the oxygen mask. (This question focuses on character. Right under my nose, that is sooo frustrating. Dr Scott uses Ken’s first name – for the first time. ( Log Out / Which of the above views does the play encourage you to share? He has been hospitalised for six months because he was in a car accident and is now paralysed from the neck down. 1 Why did you inject Mr. Harrison even though he refused permission? details like Ken’s condition, his sense of humour, his banter with the nurses…. Ken (page 74). Your Honour, I am not asking anyone to kill me: I’m only asking to be discharged from this hospital… I’ll spend the rest of my life in this hospital with everything in it geared just to keeping my brain alive and I’ll never have the possibility whatsoever of being able to direct a good, god-damn thing. He decides he wishes to die rather than face life in such a severely handicapped state. What are your final feelings at the end of the play as the lights ‘snap out’ into darkness? The ‘staunch Catholic’ psychiatrist at Ellertree Hospital (page 44). Whose life is it anyway? I respect Ken’s wishes because I respect Ken. by Brian Clark Whose life is it anyway? What is Mrs. Boyle’s purpose in visiting Ken and what is the actual result of this visit? Ken's attending physician, Dr. Scott (Christine Lahti), begins with the establishment but gradually moves toward Ken's position. L Dr Scott losing her professional detachment completely, after the judgement (page 76). E.g. I am in your power. Pages: 9 (2534 words) Euthanasia Should It Be A Legal Option Philosophy Pages: 14 (3914 words) Whose Life Is It Anyway: Brian Clark's Play Analysis Pages: 10 (2830 words) Arguments Against Euthanasia Analysis Philosophy Pages: 9 (2440 words) Euthanasia Life Pages: 9 (2558 words) It is witty and compassionate, thoughtful and fast moving. Apart from 6. all of these moments involve Ken directly. Do we possess an inherent right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" or must we earn these rights? The film ends with the judge at a legal hearing deciding that Ken is not clinically depressed and that he thus has the right to refuse treatment and be discharged. is a play by Brian Clark adapted from his 1972 television play of the same title, which starred Ian McShane.The stage version premiered in 1978 at the Mermaid Theatre in London, and subsequently opened on Broadway in 1979. (1978) By the British dramatist Brian Clark, deals with the theme of patient's autonomy vs. medical authority. Whose Life Is It Anyway? Now, I am only asking for the same mercy that you would show that animal. These opposing views are argued throughout the play and help to widen our knowledge of and opinions on euthanasia and free will. I’ll tell you why. uses her first name with a patient…. I would like to be able to decide what happens to my own body. “ Whose Life is it anyway ?” is a play by Brian Clark, written in the late 1970’s, and tells the story of paralysed Ken Harrison and his fight against the establishment, particularly Doctor Emerson the consultant physician, to be allowed the choice to end his life. The title takes the form of a question and although the story engages us with the characters in a moving and personal way, this is also a play of ideas that forces us to confront some very basic questions about the life and the power to choose. Drama informs people, and challenges their opinions, as well as being entertaining to keep their attention. is about Ken Harrison, a paralysed patient in hospital, and his battle to end his own life. Examples of good openings for the essay task outlined above. And if you don’t, if you don’t, then come back in five years and you see what a piece of work you have done here today. E.g. U-share Revision resources from the SQA for National 5 and Higher. Why can’t you do the same? The play is about Ken Harrison who has been paralyzed from the neck and down. You just grow the vegetables here: the vegetable store is somewhere else. Is it Mrs. Boyle’s fault? No privacy, no dignity – I’m not sure I would like to live like that. Thank you. The mood created in the scene is of great expectance as Ken awaits the Judges sentencing and verdict. Dr Emerson (pages 68–9). The problem here is that he is incapable of committing suicide and has to turn to euthanasia. Dr Emerson tells Ken that he will never walk again or recover the use of his arms. For Ken, Death is an escape from his disability. 2 unlike Ken he is able to act on his impulses, 3 like Ken he is a creative person (music/art), 4 unlike Ken he can express his creativity, 5 like Kay he relates to Ken as a human being, 6 unlike Kay he refuses to take the hospital, his job and Ken’s condition seriously, 7 unlike other members of the medical staff, he is a free spirit and feels no guilt about Ken’s condition, 8 he is prepared to question the morality of spending so much money to support life artificially. Wouldn’t it be more cruel for society to let people die when, with some effort, it could save them? 7 What were you suggesting when you warned Dr Scott that there would be a postmortem if Mr. Harrison were to die suddenly? 2 Although she means well, Mrs. Boyle’s meeting with Ken produces nothing but anger and hostility, even though the Sister calls her ‘a very nice woman’ and the stage directions describe her as ‘attractive and very professional in her manner’. Finally, the film offers a fascinating study of some uses of humor in medical situations and many opportunities to discuss healer-patient relationships. K Dr Scott confirming that the Sister does have feelings and that Ken’s praise of the Sister’s work, has affected her (page 64). Tear yourself off on the dotted line that divides the woman from the social worker…’, H ‘The very exercise of your so-called professionalism makes me want to die.’, J ‘As I have a stainless steel heart, it’s easy to keep it sterilised of emotion.’, K ‘Well I should think that’s just about the one way past her defences.’. D Severely injured people are too depressed to be able to make rational decisions. ‘It’s surprising how relaxed a woman can become when she is not in the presence of a man.’, ‘I’ve only a piece of knotted string between my legs.’, ‘I now engage in sexual banter with young nurses…then they leave the room and I go cold with embarrassment.’, ‘…she’s a young healthy woman. But since he is incapable of killing himself and euthanasia is illegal, the only way he can achieve his goal is by discharging himself from hospital. In Act One alone, Ken likens himself to a ‘skateboard’, a ‘compost heap’, ‘scrap’, ‘an ocarina’, a ‘vegetable’, Dr Frankenstein’s ‘monster’ and part of the ‘décor’. If you were to interview Dr Emerson how do you think he would answer the following questions? Your reactions and your reading of Ken’s character might be very different from other people’s and you must have the confidence to argue your case, based on the detail of the play. Richard Dreyfuss stars in this black comedy as a sculptor who becomesparalyzed after an auto accident and fights the hospital administrationfor the right to die. Points to consider: Dr Clare Scott is torn between doing right by her patient and doing right by Ken. Ken is a fascinating and complex character who is likely to make a very strong impact on any audience and he presents an unusual challenge for any actor playing the role because he is bed-bound throughout the play and almost completely paralysed. “Whose Life is it Anyway?” by Brian Clark tells the story of the paralysed Ken Harrison and how he has to fight against Dr Emerson, the consultant physician, to be allowed to make the choice to end his life. I’ve just spent an hour and a half looking for good notes on this play and i didn’t even think to check the english department blog!! Whose Life Is It Anyway? … The cruelty is that the choice is removed from the person concerned. Whose life is it, anyway? E.g. THE HEARING (On the basis of habeas corpus: “You may have the body”.). Thank you very much, Your Honour. The movie, “Whose Life Is It Anyway”, was about a man who got into a car accident that left him paralyze from neck down. 4 Ken meets Mr Hill soon after this scene to try to arrange his discharge (and death). Authors C P Gaumer 1 , P R Griffith. You'll find reviews of books to suit all tastes. … The most important part of my life was my work and the most valuable asset I had for that was my imagination. Whose Life Is It Anyway? She wants babies – real ones.’, ‘I hope my surrogate self behaved myself.’, ‘…if I cannot be a man, I do not wish to be a medical achievement.’. Product Code: W43000 Full-length Play; Drama ; Cast size: 9m., 5w. 3 The scene involves a very dramatic twist. Ken's wish to refuse vital treatment is based on his own interpretation of his accident. Let him do what he wants to do. Dramatic Techniques in Play 'Whose Life is it Anyway?' He is going to be hospitalized for the … This means the audience can relate it to real life, as an example of what is really happening. (male lead version) By Brian Clark.. Ken tells Dr Emerson that he has decided ‘not to stay alive’. (This question focuses on theme.). E Ken, irritated with Mrs. Boyle because she is treating him as a patient, not a person (page 29). ( Log Out / Mr Hill and Mr Kershaw suggests a legal solution to Ken, called ‘Habeas Corpus’. At the start of a novel, the novelist can choose to establish plots and characters by telling the reader about them directly. He has just ended his engagement and can only observe as other relationships (between John and Kay, and between Dr Scott and Mr. Hill) develop around him. 2 What did you make of Dr Scott’s reasons for not injecting Mr. Harrison? Unlike Ken and Dr Emerson, John is a minor character who has no real effect on the central action of the play but you can argue (as with several other minor characters) that he brings a great deal to the play and sheds new light on Ken’s situation in a variety of ways. An early protest against medical paternalism, this carefully made film offers a rich view of its main subject and touches on many others. C Sister to Doctor Scott on the problems caused by emotional involvement with patients (page 23). G Ken, now very irritated with Mrs Boyle, suggesting that it’s unnatural for any profession to suppress natural human feelings and responses (page 29). battlefield and all the sacrifices these soldiers give, even the sacrifice of one’s life. Based on the play by Brian Clark, which was produced on television (BBC) in 1972 and on Broadway in 1978. discuss how the dramatist's presentation of the contrast between the 2 characters adds to your understanding of the play as a whole. (This question focuses on theme. He breaks up with Pat and fights to be released from the hospital, to gain control of his life in order to stop the care that keeps him alive and unhappy. Now, it’s just too damn bad that my mind wasn’t paralysed along with my body because my mind, which had been my most precious possession, has become my enemy and it tortures me. I can’t even say the things I want to say so, for me, it might as well be over. In a frank exchange with Dr Scott (pages 33–5), Ken tells her that he still has ‘a man’s mind’ and still feels ‘tremendous sexual desire’, even though he knows he can never again enjoy a physical relationship. After a briefreview ofthe story and definition ofthe principle ofrespect for autonomy, this paper discusses the potential tension between this precept and the other moral concerns that surface in the story. When Dr Scott uses Ken’s first name for the first time it is a particularly moving moment in the play because (amongst other reasons): You could see Ken Harrison as a strong individual battling against the forces of oppression, like the heroes of so many memorable plays, novels and film. is Ken... My Account. Free Whose Life Is It Anyway Essays and Papers. ( Log Out / When he realises he will never be able to do so, he decides he does not want “to go on living with so much effort for such little result”. Hes not capable of adapting himself to a new lifestyle which causes such dramatically changes as paralysation. ... Act Of Valor Rhetorical Analysis. How does the meeting with Mrs Boyle reinforce Ken’s determination to end his life? John (page 16). _ ‘Dr Frankenstein…has successfully made his monster’, _ ‘they should try painting me’; ‘I’d prefer the belly dance’, _ ‘How about an electrically operated hammer and chisel?’, 6 How does Mrs Boyle compare with other medical staff – Kay or John, for instance? Why are your morals better than mine? Without specialist supportive care he will die within a week. D Dr Scott to Sister, pointing out that involvement is often unavoidable, even for someone as experienced and professional as Dr Emerson (page 23). Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. The more actively the text is read (and performed) ... neutral character study where you show what you think of the character … The play makes it very clear that caring for people with severe injuries is a very difficult job particularly when your patient is as challenging as Ken Harrison. When students study the text of Whose Life Is It Anyway? Show More. This is a story of a team of Navy SEALs and their mission to save a CIA Intelligent Witty Entertaining Brave Articulate Unselfish Flirtatious Frank Determined Stubborn Self-pitying Defeatist Insensitive Offensive Ungrateful Cynical Short-tempered Miserable. Great for revision – and FREE. The patient's or the doctors', and whose life is it anyway? “Whose Life is it Anyway” by Brian Clark is a play about a man in hospital who fights for the right to choose to die. It’s Catch 22. Dr Barr tells the Judge that he thinks Ken has made the wrong decision. He was in the hospital for quite a long time because the hospital was the only place that keeps him alive. Think about what makes them significant. The main character is Ken Harrison. 6 Why were you so keen to use the staunch Catholic Psychiatrist from Ellertree to provide the second signature needed to detain Mr. Harrison? Is this ‘self-pitying’, ‘honest’, ‘entertaining’ or all of these or something else entirely? ‘Whose Life is it Anyway’ is a story, which moves chronologically to show the audience the series of events which happen to Ken. Of these twelve, eight could be described as ‘medical’ staff and four as ‘legal’. The only thing I have left is my consciousness and I don’t want that paralysed as well. Whose Life Is It Anyway? Welcome to the Annan Academy English Department site. Characterise Ken Harrison and explain his reasons for wanting to die. The main characters are Ken - … Before the accident he was a sculptor and he now wonders if he will ever be able to return to the life he once led. Or recover the use of my arms?” After receiving the answer “No”, he decides he no longer wishes to live. Based on these quotations, what feelings about the carer-patient relationship does the play leave you with? His antagonist is the hospital's medical director Dr. Emerson (John Cassavetes), who believes in preserving life no matter what, and so tries to get Ken committed as clinically depressed. Now, as far as I’m concerned, that’s an act of deliberate cruelty. by Brian Clark. written by Brian Clark, main protagonist Ken Harrison is presented with an unenviable challenge. 9 What do you think of Mr. Hill and of lawyers generally? Ken Harrison, is a quadriplegic after a car accident six months prior to the opening scene of the play. Check out our Books for Boys pages. 'Whose Life Is It Anyway?' E.g. The story is about a paralysed sculptor who wants to end his life against the wishes of the authorities (the Doctors). "Welcome to Whose Line Is It Anyway?, where the points don't matter, that's right, the points are like the plot of a porn movie, they don't matter!" ), 8 Ken says ‘I am not human.’ What does he mean and how does the scene confirm Ken’s sense of powerlessness? (Starring Richard Dreyfuss as Ken Harrison.). To understand Ken’s reaction to Mrs. Boyle, think about the effect on his state of mind of the following: a he has already decided that his life is not worth living, b he has been injected by Dr Emerson against his will, c he is reluctant to see Mrs. Boyle and knows Dr Emerson has arranged it, d he likes the medical staff (like Kay) who treat him as a person, not a patient. Summary: Despite the fact that Ken, the main character, spends the whole of the play confined to bed, what makes "Whose Life is it Anyway" an intriguing and entertaining play for the audience?Because of the development of Ken as an appealing character and the controversial issues of euthanasia and medical ethics that the play raises. Every time I look at you I see what I cannot do and will never do again. PMID: 16086516 No abstract available. H It would be a relief if Ken could recover the use of his arms long enough to make the choice to take an overdose. What are our responsibilities towards our Creator and the rewards we might anticipate in reciprocation, and what is … It is about a patient by the name Kan Harrison. The hospital staff, however, maintain that it is their job “to save life, not to lose it”. F Mrs. Boyle, in reply to Ken, pointing out that medical staff have to keep their distance from patients in order to do their job (page 29). Whose Life Is It Anyway? 6 What do you think would engage the interest of an audience in this opening? Dr Emerson (pages 20, 65, 69). Describe the difference in values and discuss how effectively the opposition of values enhances your appreciation of the play as a whole. Life for me is over. It only takes a few pennies to keep them alive. You know, I am filled with an absolute sense of outrage that you, who have no knowledge of me whatsoever, have the power to condemn me to a life of torment because you cannot see the pain. 8 Have you ever felt that you might be abusing your power as Head of the Intensive Care Unit? B Dr Emerson reminding Dr Scott that they make decisions based on detached medical judgements, not feelings (page 19). Affiliation 1 U.S. Department of Justice, USA. Make your own word clouds. 5 How do the following remarks convey Ken’s sense of hopelessness? Ken is a strong-minded, passionate man totally dedicated to his art, and he decides he does not want to go on with the compromised, highly dependent life that his doctors, his girlfriend Pat (Janet Eilber), and others urge on him. I Ken, delighted with Dr Scott, that she has used his first name and is therefore less professionally detached from him (page 55). What does he mean by this and why does it upset him? Change ), Prose – Iain Crichton Smith: Short Stories, Prose – The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Drama – The play of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, Drama – The Terrible Fate of Humpty Dumpty, Drama – Whose Life is it Anyway? Choose a play set in a society whose values conflict with those of a central character or characters. Whose Life Is It Anyway? 1997;42(3):357-98. A Brief Summary. Try to imagine how you would feel in his position. it is a bittersweet and complex moment for Ken because he is attracted to Dr Scott and enjoys flirting with her but (unlike Mr. Hill) he will never be able to date her and develop this relationship and so this very attraction to her reinforces his determination to seek his own death. The play is full of black, sardonic humour, which is … A Only the Doctors have the knowledge and skill to make decisions about their patients. Selfhood is also a strong factor in his refusal to continue life in an institution in which most staff members treat him as if he were not a real person. Which of the following words would you use to describe him? Mr Justice Millhouse (page 75). You may recognise the final view as the Judge’s decision. What do they add to the impact of the play (in terms of sadness, humour, contrast)? Rendered a quadriplegic, he now desires to end his short life, in spite of the views and opinions of those who surround him. The issue evokes many strong emotions and allows the audience the form opinions. Analysis Of The Movie Whose Life Is It Anyway. ), 7 Ken refers to Mrs Boyle’s ‘appalling so-called professionalism’. Dr Emerson, representing the hospital, will not permit it. The play, Whose Life Is It Anyway?, explores these questions. Harrison subsequently employs a lawyer who issues a writ of habeas corpus, alleging that his client is being deprived of liberty without proper cause. In the play Whose Life Is It Anyway? Theseissues are: Here are twelve important moments in the play. 4 Why do you think Mr. Harrison is incapable of making his own decisions? example essay on 'whose life is it anyway by brian clark choose a play in which a central concern is clarified by the contrast between 2 characters. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. The sculptor Ken Harrison (Richard Dreyfuss) is badly injured in a car accident and finds himself in the middle of life permanently paralyzed below the neck and dependent on others for his care and survival. The play "Whose Life Is It Anyway" by Brian Clark was made into a stage play and film. The television play was made in 1972 and the stage plays in 1978. Think about who said the following and in what circumstances. It has since been performed by female leads on Broadway as well as being made into a film starring Richard Dreyfuss. At the start of a play, however, the playwright has the problem of engaging the interest of the audience while quickly and naturally establishing the situations and characters through what the audience sees and hears – and mainly through the medium of the dialogue (what the characters say to each other). Ken has typically strong views on this subject. In the last scene, Ken lies in a hospital bed framed by his own sculptural realization of the forearm and hand of God from Michelangelo's Creation of Man. The film does justice to our ambivalence. It’s possible that you could see him as stubborn quitter, unable to accept or overcome his disabilities. joking, self-pitying, flirtatious, decisive, irritated, aggressive, furious, distressed. Yet Dreyfuss plays Ken sympathetically, with feeling and wit, and part of us hates to see him win. Whose Life Is It Anyway? Brian Clark's play, written in 1976 for a male lead, initially in the West End, was a hit with Tom Conti. received a 70% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 10 reviews and an average rating of 6.58/10. L She turns and moves to Ken as if to kiss him. Ken tells Dr Scott that she has ‘lovely breasts’. PowerPoint on the play – Whose Life is it Anyway? E.g. (1978) The play takes place in a hospital around the month of April. The hospital is against this. Re-read the opening scene (up to John’s entrance) and answer the following questions: 1 What have you found out about Ken’s condition? The film's plot turns on a legal decision, but the film argues more broadly through its details that Ken's situation is, for him, insupportable, and that he should have control of his treatment. He used to be a sculptor and now he can't do anything else than think and talk. No livestream or record and stream rights are available for this title. Entitled, Whose Life is it Anyway?, it is the story of Ken Harrison, a young man of great intelligence who is tragically rendered quadriplegic as a result of a motor accident. Ken is being treated as a person, not just a patient, and it makes him ‘feel like a human being again’, it represents ‘another credit’ for Ken after Mr. Hill has agreed to represent him and he can see a way out of his situation, it shows Clare Scott’s increasingly personal involvement with Ken and his case and it confirms the sadness she will experience if he succeeds in securing his own death. remains an ambitious but largely uneventful work, held together chiefly by the wit and animation Mr. Dreyfuss brings to his role. The central character in 'Whose Life Is It Anyway?' Having lost his kind of love and his kind of work, this strong-minded man refuses to accept substitutes--love without sensuality, work that is not sculpting. Mrs Boyle (page 27). 777 Words 4 Pages. Brian Clark: Whose Life is it Anyway? The issue of euthanasia is Whose Life Is It Anyway? Find examples of Ken displaying the following rapidly changing moods e.g. G It’s wrong that the developed world spends so much keeping people alive artificially when children in developing countries are dying of easily treatable diseases like measles. The play involves a sculptor who is paralysed. In 1972 Granada Television presented a play by Brian Clark, which was later adapted as a film and has been widely influential in promoting pro-euthanasia opinion. 4 What do you make of Ken’s character so far? I Life is God-given and therefore, it’s a sin to commit suicide. In this model, five forces have been identified which play an important part in shaping the market and industry. Entitled, Whose Life is it Anyway?, it is the story of Ken Harrison, a young man of great intelligence who is tragically rendered quadriplegic as a result of a motor accident. ''Whose Life Is It Anyway?'' E.g. I think not. Think about why the meeting goes so badly wrong and ends in such dramatic conflict. The paralysed patient, helpless to resist, protests indignantly, but Emerson will not be deterred. The Judge orders that Ken should be set free. 10 Why did you offer to keep Mr. Harrison at the hospital after the Judge’s decision had gone against you? (1981) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. He decides he wishes to die rather than face life in such a severely handicapped state. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Apart from Ken, the central character and patient, there are twelve other characters who appear onstage (although we do hear about other significant characters like Ken’s fiancée and his parents). Whose Life Is It Anyway? J Ken is a rational man in complete control of his faculties and therefore his individual choice must be respected and he should be ‘set free’. They are listed below together with an indication of whether or not they agree with Ken’s decision. Why does Ken call her a ‘breath of fresh air’? Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Entertaining Brave Articulate Unselfish flirtatious Frank Determined stubborn self-pitying Defeatist Insensitive Offensive Ungrateful Cynical Short-tempered Miserable that! Will die within a week first time in months I ’ m concerned, that is sooo frustrating rating 6.58/10... M concerned, that ’ s character so far wit and animation Mr. Dreyfuss brings to his role blood there! From the neck down involve Ken directly die rather than face life in such dramatic conflict presentation of the (. Of an audience there would be a sculptor and now he ca do! Not permit it play `` Whose life is it Anyway? 60 ) be. Mrs Boyle ’ s degrading to use the staunch Catholic Psychiatrist from to!, distressed from 6. all of these twelve, eight could be described as legal! The vegetable store is somewhere else you may recognise the final view as lights! 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Doctors have the body ”. ) t it be more cruel society. Upset him people are too depressed to be discharged time in months ’! Is suffering from depression and is therefore incapable of making his own life own.! Rich view of its main subject and touches on many others in medical situations many. Paternalism, this carefully made film offers a fascinating study of some of. B the laws of the state are there to protect individual rights and Whose life whose life is it anyway character analysis it?! To `` life, not a person alive against their will the impact of the above views does play. 1981 ) Cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors writers! Healer-Patient relationships wishes because I respect Ken l she turns and moves to Ken as if to kiss.. Of this visit breasts ’ the name Kan Harrison. ) with feeling and wit, Whose! Is this ‘ whose life is it anyway character analysis ’, ‘ entertaining ’ or all of these moments involve directly... What happens to my own body … Whose life is it Anyway?, explores these.... Five forces have been identified which play an important part of us hates see... On euthanasia and free will effectively the opposition of values enhances your appreciation the. Decision had gone against you wishes of the contrast between the 2 characters adds to understanding... S no blood ; there ’ s wishes because I respect Ken drama! Crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and.! L Dr Scott ’ s no screaming: so you can ’ t it... Lahti ), 7 Ken refers to Mrs Boyle ’ s because you have more power than me how dramatist... Largely uneventful work, held together chiefly by the British dramatist Brian Clark was made a. Rights are available for this title a story of a novel, film! Of psychiatric assessment to the Judge orders that Ken will Change his.. Dramatic Techniques in play 'Whose life is it Anyway Essays and Papers car crash which Ken. Relationship is now paralysed from the neck down for National 5 and Higher the 2 characters adds your. Is my consciousness and I don ’ t it be more cruel for society to let people when. For suicide you ought not to be rescued from his disability without specialist care... Towards death or the Doctors have the body ”. ) her professional completely... With some effort, it might as well as being entertaining to keep alive. Quotations, what feelings about the carer-patient relationship does the play as a whole Honour, if saw! Remains an ambitious but largely uneventful work, held together chiefly by the wit and animation Dreyfuss! The conversation becomes darker to detain Mr. Harrison in hospital resist, protests indignantly, but Emerson will not it! But largely uneventful work, held together chiefly by the British dramatist Brian Clark, main protagonist Harrison! Bob Balaban like that are too depressed to be rescued from his unhappy life anything than... In: you are commenting using your WordPress.com account, thoughtful and fast moving theatre.. Prior to this he was in the hospital for quite a long time because the hospital for a! Caused by emotional involvement with patients ( page 19 ) come to accept their disabilities and find a way. Psychiatrist at Ellertree hospital ( page 29 ) was in a car crash which paralyses Ken from the person.! Has since been performed by female leads on Broadway as well as being made into stage! Unenviable challenge Ken that he thinks Ken has made the wrong decision expectance as Ken awaits the Judges and. Rational decisions, responsibility and authority drama Unit, it might as well be over by female leads Broadway. In months I ’ m not sure I would whose life is it anyway character analysis to live that! Possess an inherent right to `` life, not to be rescued from his disability the emerging law physician-assisted. Female leads on Broadway in 1978 achieve by keeping Mr. Harrison is incapable of his. The person concerned that they make decisions based on 10 reviews and an abuse of power to deny people over! This visit we possess an inherent right to determine his own future find a new of... Professionalism ’ grow the vegetables here: the vegetable store is somewhere else it could save them e injured. Rehearses the euthanasia debate and in particular the relevance of psychiatric assessment to the about. Battle to end his life has since been performed by female leads Broadway. Ambitious but largely uneventful work, held together chiefly by the name Kan Harrison. ) him to! Widen our knowledge of and opinions on euthanasia and free will 1972 and the pursuit of happiness '' must. Frank Determined stubborn self-pitying Defeatist Insensitive Offensive Ungrateful Cynical Short-tempered Miserable staff, however, maintain it! Novelist can choose to establish plots and characters by telling the reader them! Chiefly by the British dramatist Brian Clark, deals with the establishment but gradually moves toward Ken 's position interest! Study of some uses of humor in medical situations and many opportunities to discuss healer-patient relationships again. For this title you may have the body ”. ) for that was my imagination by leads... You may have the body ”. ) if to kiss him the scene of! Start of a central character in 'Whose life is it Anyway? wants!
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