Seven Methods of Killing Kylie Jenner: Character Analysis and Thematic Exploration
The play "Seven methods of killing kylie jenner" centers around two main characters, Cleo and Kara, whose complex relationship and individual struggles drive the narrative while addressing broader societal issues.
Cleo Characterisation:
Cleo is portrayed as a black woman who is highly educated but struggles with insecurity. Her identity is deeply tied to her blackness, which influences her perspective on social issues. Cleo's actions in the play revolve around her controversial Twitter posts, where she outlines seven metaphorical methods of killing Kylie Jenner to articulate her problems with society.
Highlight: Cleo's Twitter posts serve as a narrative device to explore various forms of racism and cultural appropriation.
Kara Characterisation:
Kara is described as light-skinned and queer, with her lesbian identity being a significant aspect of her character. Unlike Cleo, Kara is more measured in her approach, attempting to articulate her opinions through words rather than provocative social media posts. She tries to stop Cleo from making controversial tweets, indicating a more cautious and diplomatic personality.
Quote: "Kara tries to stop Cleo from her posts on Twitter."
The relationship between Cleo and Kara is complicated by past hurt, specifically a homophobic Twitter post made by Cleo that affected Kara deeply.
Thematic Exploration:
The play uses seven "methods" to address various forms of racism, oppression, and cultural appropriation:
- Method 1: Death by poison (Lip fillers) - Addresses cultural appropriation
- Method 2: Death by shooting - Explores police violence against black people, referencing the Black Lives Matter movement
- Method 3: Death by drowning - Highlights the plight of refugees crossing the Mediterranean Sea
- Method 4: Death by skinning (fake tan) - Discusses cultural appropriation and blackfacing
- Method 5: Death by immolation - References historical atrocities like Ku Klux Klan lynchings
- Method 6: Death by disgrace - Tells the story of Saartjie Baartman, a South African woman exploited for her appearance
- Method 7: Death by displacement - Addresses the history of slavery and forced relocation of African people
Example: The mention of George Floyd in Method 2 connects the play to real-world events and the ongoing struggle against police brutality.
These methods serve as a framework to discuss complex issues of race, identity, and historical injustices, making "Seven methods of killing Kylie Jenner" a powerful commentary on contemporary society.
Vocabulary: Cultural appropriation - The adoption of elements of one culture by members of a different culture, often without understanding or respecting the original culture.
The play's structure, using social media as a narrative device, allows for a modern exploration of these themes, reflecting how discussions about race and identity often play out in online spaces. This approach makes the content particularly relevant to younger audiences familiar with social media dynamics.
