The Long and the Short and the Tall: dramatic climax

The Long and the Short and the Tall: dramatic climax

Climax of ‘The Long and the Short and the Tall’

Dramatic Sensation

• The climactic moment in ‘The Long and the Short and the Tall’ comes towards the end of the play, just before the unexpected anti-climax.
• The tension in the jungle hut reaches its peak as the threat of the imminent Japanese attack escalates.

Crisis Point

• Willis Hall skilfully creates a crisis point that brings the audience’s emotions to a fever pitch.
• The audience is aware that the small and trapped group of soldiers cannot escape their situation, and this intensifies the climactic moment.

Character Choices and Dilemma

• The climax is highly character-driven - it revolves around the moral dilemma of whether or not to kill the captive Japanese soldier.
• The choices made by the characters, especially Private Bamforth, trigger a wave of dramatic suspense and further fuel the climax.

Themes Highlighted

• Key themes of the play namely, the dehumanising effect of warfare and the moral paradox of survival, are brought to the forefront during the climax.

Anti-Climax and Resolution

• Hall shatters the expected climactic satisfaction by swiftly following up with an anti-climax, which further highlights the futility of war.
• The radio finally comes to life just as all but two of the soldiers have been killed, illustrating the senseless losses in times of war.

Dramatic Impact

• The combination of climax and anti-climax creates a powerful and lasting dramatic impact. This compelling narrative choice compels the audience to reconsider their views on the ethics and repercussions of warfare.