DNA by Dennis Kelly Quiz

John Tate threatens Richard.

Adam overhears a conversation that he wasn't supposed to, and the group decides to intimidate him, which leads to his disappearance.

Lou is particularly worried about the consequences of their actions, especially in terms of Adam's disappearance.

Leah is a member of the group who is involved in the decision-making process, but she also expresses moral concerns about what is happening to Adam.

John Tate and Richard have a hierarchical relationship, with John Tate being the leader and Richard as one of his followers, although Richard occasionally questions John Tate's authority.

The group creates a lie, pretending that Adam has run away, and they work together to maintain the deception.

This line highlights the serious consequences of the group's actions and suggests that they are no longer in control of the situation.

Danny seems less concerned and more focused on managing the situation to avoid getting caught, rather than worrying about Adam's wellbeing.

The main moral dilemma is whether the group should take responsibility for their actions and reveal the truth about what happened to Adam, or whether they should continue covering it up.

The setting of DNA plays a crucial role in enhancing the atmosphere of tension and unease. The play takes place in a modern, isolated location that is deliberately vague, symbolising the moral ambiguity and confusion the characters face. The setting’s lack of specific detail reflects the characters’ inability to confront the reality of their actions. It also highlights the disconnect between the characters’ actions and the outside world, suggesting that they are trapped in their own moral dilemmas. The schoolyard setting creates a sense of confinement and reinforces the idea of peer pressure and groupthink, where the characters’ decisions are influenced by their immediate social environment.

Kelly uses dark humour throughout DNA to highlight the absurdity and discomfort of the characters’ actions, which helps to underscore the gravity of the situation. For example, some of the dialogue is exaggerated or sarcastic, making light of the tension, and characters sometimes speak in a flippant or detached manner about serious events, such as Adam's disappearance. This dark humour creates a dissonance between the characters’ actions and the audience’s reaction, forcing the audience to reflect on the seriousness of the play's themes. It also serves as a way for the characters to cope with their guilt and moral failings, masking their fear and anxiety with humour.

Lou serves as a moral compass in the play, although she does not take action to stop the group's wrongdoings. She is the character most affected by the guilt of what they have done to Adam, and her internal conflict reveals the theme of morality. She is troubled by the consequences of their actions and reflects on whether they are doing the right thing. However, Lou's failure to intervene and her eventual acceptance of the group's decision show the complexity of human morality, where fear, peer pressure, and self-interest can override one’s ethical instincts.

DNA explores the impact of peer pressure on decision-making and group behaviour. The characters are influenced by the group’s collective mindset, especially John Tate’s leadership. They are coerced into maintaining the lie about Adam’s disappearance, despite their personal reservations. Through this, Kelly highlights how individuals may conform to the expectations and decisions of a group, even if it conflicts with their morals or personal integrity. The play shows how power dynamics within a group can lead to unethical actions, with individuals often following the leader's lead rather than acting independently.

The theme of responsibility is central to DNA, as many of the characters avoid taking responsibility for their involvement in Adam’s disappearance. John Tate, Lou, and others in the group try to shift blame, cover up their actions, or avoid facing the consequences. For instance, John Tate's refusal to take responsibility for Adam’s fate leads to further manipulation of the group. Lou, on the other hand, feels guilt and responsibility but does not take action. The play suggests that in a group dynamic, individuals can evade personal responsibility, and the consequences of this avoidance can lead to more harm.

John Tate is portrayed as a manipulative and controlling leader who uses fear to maintain power over the group. He is shown to be both charismatic and threatening, using his leadership to push others into unethical decisions, particularly when dealing with Adam’s disappearance. Through John, Kelly explores the theme of power and how it can corrupt individuals, as well as how people may follow a leader out of fear rather than respect. John’s actions highlight the dangers of unchecked authority and peer pressure within groups.