Symbols for Men and Women in Scenes 112-118 of ‘The Piano’ Jack Duckett 12th Grade

In Jane Campion’s ‘The Piano’, scenes 112 to 118 depict Flora’s betrayal of her mother, Ada, as she takes the piano key intended for her clandestine lover Baines, instead to Ada’s husband, Stewart. This betrayal subsequently results in Stewart reacting in a violent manner and decapitating Ada’s index finger with an axe. In terms of context, this scene follows briefly after Ada’s return to Baines’ hut after accepting her desire for his affection, resulting in Stewart keeping her captive within his cottage. Ada then shows affection towards Stewart but he rejects her advances, with this scene following swiftly afterwards. Following this scene, Stewart decides to let Baines and Ada elope together after he believes he hears Ada’s voice within his head pleading him to let her be free. This scene is a momentous one within the film as it is the climax of a significant build-up of tension and angst within the relationship of Ada and Stewart, most notably from Stewart, who struggles to come to terms with Ada’s stubborn and unaffectionate nature, a combination of qualities seen to be socially deviant for a married woman in the era in which ‘The Piano’ is set. In this way, the scene is notable in that it allows Campion to convey her views...