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Domineering Sights, Sounds, and Symbols
Throughout the 19th century, male dominance was frequently demonstrated and in some cases it is still being displayed today. ... Jane Campion’s The Piano focuses on the 19th century and presents a story which depicts a mute, Victorian woman who uses her piano to obtain power and to move beyond the restraints of male dominance. Through intense and astonishing images, sounds, and symbols, The Piano portrays a woman’s struggle for freedom and power in a patriarchal society.
Imagery contributes significantly in The Piano as the images demonstrate the harsh ways in which women were treated. ... Water imagery is prevalent throughout The Piano. ... However, a contrast between the rough waves in the beginning and gentle waves is shown when Ada is reunited with her piano. ... Her piano can take her to a place where nothing can else and Ada feels as though she is free when she is with her piano, which is why gentle waves are seen. ... She is sad and depressed and the only thought in her mind is her piano. ...
As well, a strong image takes place on the beach when the piano has been left behind. The small piano juxtaposed against the large ocean and voluptuous mountains shows the strong-willed mind of Ada forced to be up against overpowering males. The ocean theme is shown again at the end of the film when Ada demands for her piano to be thrown into the ocean. Ada deliberately slips her foot into the rope and goes overboard with the piano. ... Through imagery in The Piano, an understanding of the equality issues in the 19th century is established.
Additionally, sound in The Piano is an extremely important issue in the film. ... Through the notes of the piano and the help of her daughter, Ada expresses herself. Ada’s reliance on the piano represents the most powerful way in which she attempts to make herself whole. Speaking through the piano, Ada controls communication between herself and others. ... When Ada reaches New Zealand, she is forced by her husband to leave her piano on the beach. ... According to Cyndy Hendershot, “Stewart disregards Ada’s desires for her piano, seeing value in it only when it becomes exchangeable property in his deal he makes with Baines” (1998). ...
Domineering 5
Ada is not the victim in this relationship and guides what happens in the relationship through the piano.
Approximate Word count = 1925
Approximate Pages = 7.7
(250 words per page double spaced)
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