General Information and Character Analysis

Seven methods of killing Kylie Jenner is a contemporary play written by Jasmine Lee-Jones, a British writer and actress of Jamaican descent. Published in 2019, this comedy-drama alternates between real-life settings (primarily Cleo's bedroom) and the digital realm of Twitter, set in the present day.

The plot centers around Cleo, a young Black woman who posts provocative tweets suggesting methods to assassinate Kylie Jenner. These posts trigger intense online discussions, while Cleo's conversations with her best friend Kara bring long-buried issues to the surface, threatening their friendship.

Highlight: The play's unique style incorporates digital communication elements such as GIFs, memes, emojis, and acronyms (LOL, FFS, OMG), reflecting the modern online landscape.

The main characters are:

1. Cleo Fuller: A 21-year-old dark-skinned Black woman characterized by her intelligence, eloquence, and strong awareness of racial issues. Cleo uses her Twitter platform to highlight discrimination against people of color, often employing academic language and poetic tweets.

Example: Cleo's tweets often resemble rap and poetry, showcasing her creative approach to online activism.

2. Kara: Cleo's 22-year-old best friend, a light-skinned Black woman who identifies as queer. Kara serves as a counterpoint to Cleo, offering a more measured perspective on Cleo's provocative online behavior.

Quote: "You're not the only one who's suffered, Cleo. You're not the only one who's been through shit."

The play also references important figures such as Kylie Jenner, the target of Cleo's tweets, and Sarah "Saartjie" Baartman, a historical figure whose story exemplifies the exploitation of Black women's bodies.

Definition: Cultural appropriation refers to the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of minority cultures' practices and ideas by dominant cultures, often stripping away their significance or historical context.

Language, Style, and Social Media Impact

The language and style of Seven methods of killing Kylie Jenner are integral to its exploration of contemporary issues and digital culture. The play employs a unique blend of traditional dialogue and online communication styles:

1. Digital Language: The script incorporates elements typical of social media communication, such as GIFs, memes, emojis, and acronyms (LOL, FFS, OMG). This reflects the characters' immersion in digital culture and highlights the play's themes of online activism and identity.

2. Academic and Poetic Language: Cleo's character often uses sophisticated, academic language when discussing racism and history, demonstrating her knowledge and passion. Her tweets are described as resembling rap and poetry, showcasing her creative approach to online expression.

Quote: "I'm not just angry, I'm enraged. I'm not just sad, I'm devastated. And I'm using my words to make people understand that."

3. Metaphorical Use of Kylie Jenner: The play uses Kylie Jenner as a metaphor for privileged individuals, prompting discussions about wealth, fame, and cultural appropriation.

The play also delves into the effects of social media on modern society:

Positive Aspects:

• Platform for activism and raising awareness
• Connecting diverse communities
• Amplifying marginalized voices

Negative Aspects:

1. Spread of misinformation and fake news
2. Political manipulation and opinion polarization
3. Cyberbullying and online hate speech
4. Loss of control over personal narratives
5. Blurring of boundaries between physical and virtual reality

Highlight: The play's exploration of social media effects reflects real-world concerns about online discourse and its impact on personal and societal levels.

By interweaving these linguistic and thematic elements, Seven methods of killing Kylie Jenner creates a powerful commentary on the intersection of race, identity, and digital culture in the 21st century. The play challenges audiences to consider how online interactions shape our understanding of complex social issues and personal relationships.