Perfecting Pratas lesson

Perfecting Pratas Notes

​Brief overview of Perfecting Pratas

​It is a play centred around the relationship between Albert and Ben. Despite their love for one another, there is often dramatic tension because of their long standing argument amount the mother's death was never being resolved. Her absence impacted both Ben and Albert which makes her a powerful and purposeful offstage character in the play.

​Characteristics of Ben

• Ben is mature. When Albert and Ben reconcile and Albert is deep in thought, Ben sees that Albert wants to be left alone which shows that Albert is sensitive and understanding.

• Ben is caring. He does not blame Albert for the host of problems he had after his mother passed away but instead comforts Albert that it was not his fault for not being a good parent like Albert's wife.

Fill in the Blanks

What are the characteristic of Ben

​Characteristic of Albert

• Albert is reserved. He does not communicate with Ben and does not make the effort to, especially regarding his wife, which shows his lack of initiative to communicate by pretendinghe did not hear Ben or be angry.

• Albert is insecure. He constantly compares himself to his wife and feels that he is not as good as his wife in terms of everything like cooking, taking care of Ben, making flowers bloom.

Multiple Select

What are the characteristic of Albert

• aggressive

• insecure

• careless

• reserved

Common themes across Perfecting Pratas

​Intergenerational conflict

The theme is typically explored through humour and lightens the dramatic tension between after and son. It emphasises they truly love each other despite their differences and indicates they have more in common with each other than not.

Common things across Perfecting Pratas

Loss and longing

The absence of the mother generates dramatic tension between father and son as they confront each other and forces each other to tell the truth. This is because Ben does not remember the mother and Albert feels that he will never be able to match up with the mother. Ben tries to talk about her, but Albert refuses and changes the topic.

Common themes across Perfecting Pratas

Love and respect

Albert is fearful of Son's doubts of him and not having his son's love. He sees himself as inferior compared to the mother who was deemed to be perfect. He does not respect himself due to the competition he has with the mother.

Common Themes across Perfecting Pratas

​Role Reversal

Albert requires Ben's support and comfort as he believes that he is not good enough to be a parent and hereby losing his authority to be one which creates distance between himself and Ben

Multiple Select

What are the themes across Perfecting Pratas

• Role Reversal

• Loss and Longing

• Intergenerational conflict

• Love and respect

​Key quotes to learn

-"I might as well be living with a stranger in this house. At least he'll know to pay rent!"
-"I don't know what's wrong with you these days!"
-"Ya. You are a total joy to live with."
-"I don't know how to talk to you any more. You're impossible!"

​Happy Learning! :)