Summary

• Description:

  The PDF document comprises The Last Laugh Summary Notes. These notes provide a framework for understanding the play and offer detailed literary analysis.

  Major Sections of the Notes

  1. How We Will Analyze the Play
     This section outlines the key literary elements used for analysis throughout the notes. It explains the approach to examining:

     • Plot and Structure – The sequence and organization of events in the play

     • Characterization – The personalities, motivations, and roles of the characters

     • Themes and Ideas – The central messages and insights explored in the play

     • Language and Style – The playwright's use of words, dialogue, stage directions, and literary devices

  2. Scene-by-Scene Analysis

  The notes offer a scene-by-scene analysis under each act, covering plot and structure, characterization, themes and ideas, and language and style. Below is a quick summary of what's covered in the document, but the document itself is more detailed with the above sections.

  Act I Analysis

  • Scene I
    At a dilapidated health facility, Mariko challenges the Doctor’s indifference to a dying child and the workers' plight, highlighting social neglect and advocating for awareness and action.

  • Scene II
    Mariko mobilizes workers, exposing their exploitation. Orwa’s children, Oka and Kolla, witness this. A moved Oka unilaterally declares the workers free, sparking hope and defiance.

  Act II Analysis

  • Scene I
    Three days later, in Orwa’s opulent home, Orwa is enraged by Oka's actions, which have disrupted farm operations. He confronts Oka, dismissing his justifications about preventing violence and ensuring workers' freedom.

  • Scene II
    That evening, Orwa confronts Kolla and then Oka, escalating to threats of violence and disownment. After Orwa exits, Tai admonishes the boys, urging conformity despite their moral arguments.

  Act III Analysis

  • Scene I
    The next morning, Oka and Kolla discuss their mother’s advice to follow their compliant elder brother, Ami. Despite Oka’s skepticism, they agree to attempt dialogue.

  • Scene II
    Later that morning, Ami arrives, displaying arrogance and entitlement. Oka and Kolla confront his behavior, particularly toward the homestead worker Nyatta. Their tense argument is witnessed by Orwa and Tai.

  • Scene III
    That evening, Orwa angrily reasserts his authority. Oka and Kolla defend their actions, appealing for justice. Oka plays a video to expose exploitation and poses a poignant question about everyone having “the last laugh,” which enrages Orwa.

  Act IV Analysis

  • Scene I
    The next day, Orwa has Oka arrested for causing a disturbance. He plans to use police force to bring back the workers under stricter control, boasting of restored authority.

  • Scene II
    A week later, workers confront Orwa at the farm store. Overwhelmed by their curses and mockery, he collapses. In desperation, he orders Oka’s release. Oka returns, tortured. Orwa begs for forgiveness and collapses again.

  3. Analyzing Character Traits

  These notes provide a detailed examination of the personalities, motivations, and significant actions of key characters, including:
  Orwa, Tai, Ami, Oka, Kolla, the Doctor, the Old Man (worker), the Woman (worker with sick child), Nyatta (homestead worker), Mariko, the Voices (workers), the Police Officer(s), and the Man at the front of the queue.
  Each character's traits are clearly identified and supported with examples from the play.

  4. Definition of Terms and Vocabulary

  The notes conclude with a glossary that defines:

  • General Literary Terms
    Essential terms for analyzing plays, such as playwright, drama, acts, scenes, dialogue, plot, conflict, climax, theme, metaphor, simile, irony, symbolism, and monologue.

  • Social/Thematic Vocabulary
    Words relevant to the play’s social and thematic concerns, like socio-economic context, malnutrition, entitlement, oppression, exploitation, dehumanization, opulence, and retribution.

  • Other Potentially Unfamiliar Vocabulary
    Additional words that may be new to learners, such as makeshift, catalyst, grievances, sustenance, precarious, and down-pressers.

• File Size:

  572.70 KB
• Length:

  52 pages
• Category:

  Set Book Guides
• Level:

  Grade 9
• Subject:

  ENGLISH LITERATURE
• Posted By:

  Caleb_Peter

Enter your details below to initiate a payment using MPESA.