Cosi Study Guide
Topic Key Points to Study
Introduction to Louis - Background and biography
Nowra
Overview of "Cosi" - Plot summary and setting
Major ideas - Mental illness and stigma
Character Analysis - In-depth analysis of key
characters: Lewis, Roy, Julie,
Cherry
Symbolism and Motifs Significant symbols and
motifs
Social Context of the Play Historical and cultural
backdrop of "Cosi"
Interpersonal Dynamics between
Relationships characters
Humor and Satire - Role of humour in the play
Notes
- Contextualising Nowra's life and influences.
Understanding the basic storyline and the
context of the play.
How these ideas are portrayed and their
significance in the play.
Examine how each character represents
different societal issues.
Lewis: Represents the idealistic youth of the
1970s, initially naïve but grows to understand
the complexities of human nature.
Roy: A patient with grandiose dreams,
symbolises the clash between reality and
fantasy.
Julie: A patient struggling with drug addiction,
represents the human face of social issues.
Cherry: Shows how love and affection
manifest in unexpected places.
Nick: His dismissive attitude toward the
patients in the mental institution reflects the
social stigma towards mental illness.
- Look for recurring elements that highlight
broader societal issues/ideas.
- Understand the 1970s setting, including
social and political climate.
- Analyse how relationships in the play reflect
societal attitudes and values.
- Examine how Nowra uses humour to critique
society.
Quotes and References - Key quotes from the play - Memorise important lines that reflect major
themes and societal critiques.

Essay Writing Tips - Structuring your essay - Introduction, body paragraphs, and
conclusion; ensure clear argument and
evidence.

Practice Questions - Example questions for - Develop answers to questions to prepare for
practice potential essay topics.

Essay Master Class

Each part of an essay has a specific function and contributes to the overall argument of the essay.
Introduction

Introduction

Purpose: To introduce the topic, provide background information, and present the
thesis statement.

Components:

Hook: An engaging opening sentence to grab the reader's attention.

Context: Brief background information relevant to the topic.

Thesis Statement: A clear, concise statement outlining the main argument or

purpose of the essay.

Eg: In Louis Nowra's play 'Cosi,' the characters' struggles with mental illness
reflect broader societal issues. Set in a mental institution during the 1970s,
'Cosi' explores ideas of love, sanity, and the societal perceptions of mental
illness. Through the depiction of marginalised characters and their interactions,
Nowra critiques contemporary society's treatment of mental illness and
highlights the need for compassion and understanding
 Body Paragraphs

Purpose: To develop and support the thesis statement with evidence and analysis.

Components:

Topic Sentence: Introduces the main idea of the paragraph.

Evidence: Quotes, examples, and references from the text to support the topic
sentence.

Analysis: Explanation of how the evidence supports the topic sentence and
overall thesis.

Linking Sentence: This sentence links the ideas in that paragraph to your
overall thesis, opinion, or topic of the essay.

Analysing a quote in an essay

Analysing quotes and dramatic techniques involves explaining how they contribute to the play's
themes and messages.

Introduce the Quote:

When Roy says, 'I can't stand real things. If I could put up with reality I wouldn't be in here,'
he highlights the characters' desire to escape reality."

Explain the Context:

This line is spoken during a rehearsal, reflecting Roy's struggle with his mental health.

Analyse the Technique:

Nowra uses irony here, as Roy's inability to cope with reality is a moving comment on how
society often ignores the deeper issues faced by those with mental illness.

Link to Thesis

This irony underscores Nowra's critique of societal neglect and the need for greater empathy.

Conclusion

Purpose: To summarise the main points and restate the thesis in light of the evidence presented.
Components:

Summary of Main Points: Brief recap of the key arguments made in the essay.

Restated Thesis: Rephrasing of the thesis statement to reflect the discussion in the body.

Closing Statement: A final thought or reflection on the topic.