Voices and Signs - The Piano

Mutual Dictation Answers

A "Post-Colonial" View of the Piano. 

Women and the land
We can see Ada as a symbol of the land, New Zealand-Aotearoa. In the same way that Stewart cuts down trees, he cuts Ada's finger off. In the same way that he pens the land in by surveying and fencing it, he pens Ada in by boarding up the windows and doors of the cottage. Ada can be seen as a possession or an animal, penned into a cottage rather than allowed to do as she pleases. 

Stewart and the Axe
The axe is used to remove the ability of the land to "be." Stewart uses his axe to cut down trees, and to make fences in order to 'tie the land down.' It must be noted that Stewart's occupation as a surveyor is not a coincidence. In much the same way, Stewart uses the axe to remove Ada's ability to do as she wishes. "I just clipped your wings, that's all."(Stewart) This referral to 'wings' also reminds us of Flora (often shown wearing her angels wings,) as well as the native birds displaced by the process of clearing the bush. The control that men have over the land, and generations of women is emphasised through this connection. 

Maori
In many respects the Maori of the film suffer the same fate as the women. Interestingly, the film is set in a time when European dominance of the country was not complete, and at a time when Maori could pose a real threat to the settlers if they contravened their rules or protocols. This is perhaps best illustrated during the shadow puppet show, when Maori attending a 'civilised' event almost kill the Reverend. Here the Maori have not been Europeanised but are experiencing the beginnings of this process. In this respect, Maori are at a similar stage of being 'penned in' as the land. As Stewart continues the process of surveying the land and constructing fences, he is laying the foundations for further Europeans settlers to establish themselves in the colony, allowing a continuation of the process of Maori being marginalised in their own country. 

© Ministry of Education, Wellington, New Zealand (First published 1998)