Extinction by Hannie Rayson

English Works Notes (compiled by Dr Jennifer Minter, 2019) on themes, techniques, characters and issues; plus 8 sample essays/plans and paragraphs

Extinction by Hannie Rayson opens with Harry Jewell, CEO of Powerhouse Mining Company, rushing into the Wildlife Rescue Centre at Cape Otway with a damaged tiger quoll owing to a road accident in stormy weather. He hopes that the vet can revive the animal which is a member of a threatened species. Andy Dixon, the vet, states that “it’s not fair to try and resuscitate an animal in this condition.” This decision introduces one of the central themes of the play – the need to make life-and-death decisions for those in precarious situations, whether it be animal or human life.  Are these decisions arbitrary or should there be a process in place to determine which species have favoured treatment? Who should be responsible for these decisions?

This extensive analysis of Extinction, entitled “Living in the Real World” systematically unpacks and discusses a range of interconnected themes that expose dilemmas and problems associated with one of the most pressing issues of our decade. The analysis also helps students think about tonal nuances and other playwriting devices.