Parliament of Owls Themes
Act 2 themes
In Act 2 of "Parliament of Owls," several themes are explored, each shedding light on different aspects of power, oppression, resistance, and morality. Let's discuss these themes in detail, supported by quotes from the text:1. Power and Oppression:
Throughout Act 2, the theme of power and oppression is central to the narrative. The owls, particularly Red String, wield their authority to impose oppressive laws and maintain control over the other birds. For example, Red String presents the Moonlight Bill, which extends the owls' authority and restricts the freedoms of other birds. He uses manipulation and intimidation to enforce compliance, as illustrated by his interaction with Tel Tel: "You have no choice, Tel Tel. Otherwise, you are a traitor in the eyes of grain-eaters and day birds."
The oppressive nature of the Parliament of Owls is further emphasized by Osogo's defiance and Tel Tel's resistance. Osogo challenges the legitimacy of the owls' rule, asserting the rights of all birds to freedom and justice: "Please leave or I will fly away." Tel Tel confronts Red String and exposes his manipulation tactics, refusing to be complicit in the oppression: "I will not do it. You betrayed me, remember?"
2. Resistance and Rebellion:
Act 2 also explores the theme of resistance and rebellion against unjust authority. Osogo emerges as a symbol of resistance, refusing to bow down to the oppressive laws of the owls: "A time is coming when all this will come to an end and all birds will have a sane Parliament." Tel Tel joins Osogo in challenging the authority of the Parliament, inspiring other birds to resist: "Tel Tel leaves in protest."
The resistance movement gains momentum as more birds begin to question the legitimacy of the owls' rule. The birds unite against the oppressive regime, driven by a shared desire for freedom and justice: "The act ends with the birds divided between those who support the oppressive regime of the owls and those who stand up for freedom and justice."
3. Corruption and Deception:
Another theme prevalent in Act 2 is corruption and deception within the Parliament of Owls. Red String and his allies manipulate and deceive the other birds to maintain their grip on power. They use propaganda and misinformation to justify their oppressive laws and silence dissent: "We want to push forward supervision and roll call hours from 10 p.m. to 6 p.m. and let the exercises run until midnight."
The corrupt nature of the owls' rule is exposed through Tel Tel's confrontation with Red String, where she reveals the truth behind the Moonlight Bill and exposes the Parliament's deceitful tactics: "What if I spread some propaganda about them too?"