The Ecstasy of Rita Joe Group

Question:


help049
Student
High School - 12th Grade

What is the major theme of the play "The Ecstasy of Rita"?

I'm writing a theme statement for the play and having difficulty chosing what theme to write about. I am unsure of the themes that were brought up by the play.

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Posted by help049 on Tuesday October 21, 2008 at 1:41 PM and tagged with the ecstasy of rita joe, themes.

Answers:


  1. blazedale

    eNotes Editor

    The main theme that comes from the work is the theme of white society's inabilty to understand or appreciate Native Americans and their culture. Some critics have suggested that play is

    "about the white culture’s denial of the American Indian’s humanity. In particular, George Ryga points to the inadequacy of those organizations that deal with Indians; according to him, the Church, social services, the schools, and the legal system all dole out humiliation in the guise of charity and fail American Indians because they expect them simply to shed their cultural differences and assume white society’s ways." -- Magill's Literary Annual

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/ecstasy-rita-joe-salem/ecstasy-rita...

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    Posted by blazedale on Tuesday October 21, 2008 at 2:21 PM