Analyzing The Dressmaker: Characters and Culture

Year 12 English WALT: Analyse characterisation, themes, values, attitudes and cultural assumptions Success Criteria: Identify characters, explain themes, discuss cultural portrayals

WALT & Success Criteria

Analyse characterisation, themes, values, attitudes and cultural assumptions in The Dressmaker Break down key characters and their roles within the text Identify and explore the film's VACBAS elements Use film-specific vocabulary and metalanguage to analyse scenes

Character Mapping Activity

Work in pairs to create character profiles Include: traits, motivations, relationships, cultural significance Focus on: Tilly Dunnage, Sergeant Farrat, Molly Dunnage, Teddy McSwiney Consider: What do these characters reveal about the town and its people?

Key Characters Analysis

{"left":"Tilly Dunnage: Sophisticated outsider returning home, represents change and transformation\nSergeant Farrat: Challenges gender norms, shows complexity beneath surface conformity\nMolly Dunnage: Eccentric mother figure, embodies town's hidden truths","right":"Teddy McSwiney: Represents hope and acceptance, tragic romantic hero\nElsbeth Beaumont: Town matriarch, embodies social hierarchy and prejudice\nGertrude Pratt: Social climber, represents superficial values and gossip culture"}

VACBAS in The Dressmaker

Values: Family loyalty, social status, appearance vs reality Attitudes: Prejudice, gossip, resistance to change Cultural Beliefs: Gender roles, class hierarchy, small-town mentality Assumptions: Outsiders are dangerous, past defines future Stereotypes: Rural vs urban, masculine vs feminine

Film Analysis Vocabulary

Critical Thinking Question

How does The Dressmaker use costume and appearance to challenge or reinforce cultural assumptions about identity and belonging? Consider: Tilly's haute couture vs town's simple clothing Think about: What message does this send about class, sophistication, and acceptance?

Lesson Wrap-Up & Next Steps

Exit Ticket: Write one sentence about a character and the cultural assumption they represent Extension Activity: Choose a character and write a diary entry from their perspective Next Lesson: Deeper thematic analysis and comparison with The Crucible Remember: Use metalanguage in your responses