Act 3

Act 3 of DNA by Dennis Kelly brings shocking revelations and escalates the moral dilemma faced by the characters.

Scene 1 opens with Jan and Mark revealing that Cathy has found someone in the woods. The audience soon learns that this person is Adam, the boy they thought they had killed. This dramatic turn of events forces the group to confront the consequences of their actions in a new light.

Scene 2 focuses on Leah's desperate attempt to gain Phil's attention. She arrives with a packed suitcase, threatening to leave. Her monologue reveals important information about the aftermath of their actions:

Quote: "funny this is they're all actually behaving better as well...." (p47).

This observation highlights the paradoxical effect of their cover-up, which has seemingly brought positive changes to the group's behavior.

Highlight: The revelation that the group is behaving better after their crime and cover-up presents a complex moral quandary, questioning whether the end can justify the means.

Scene 3 is a pivotal and disturbing scene. Adam is revealed to be alive, having survived by living off dead animals in a hedge. His presence threatens to unravel the group's carefully constructed lie. Phil takes charge of the situation in a chilling manner:

1. He instructs Jan, Mark, and Lou to leave and maintain silence.
2. He demonstrates to Cathy how to kill Adam by using Brian (who is now unmedicated and mentally unstable) as a prop.
3. Leah begs Phil not to go through with the murder, showing her moral struggle with the group's actions.

Highlight: Phil's cold and calculated approach to solving the "Adam problem" marks a significant escalation in the play's exploration of morality and group dynamics.

Scene 4 is a silent but powerful scene. Phil offers Leah a sweet in a gesture of affection, but she rejects it violently, spitting it out and leaving in disgust. This wordless interaction speaks volumes about the characters' emotional states and the fracturing of their relationships.

Act 4

Act 4 of DNA brings the play to its conclusion, dealing with the aftermath of the group's decisions and actions.

Scene 1 opens with Jan and Mark revealing that someone has "gone." It is soon clarified that this person is Leah, whose departure signifies a major shift in the group dynamic.

Scene 2 focuses on Richard's attempt to convince Phil to rejoin the group. This scene mirrors earlier interactions between Leah and Phil, with Richard trying various tactics to gain Phil's attention. However, Phil's behavior has changed significantly:

1. He remains silent, as before.
2. He no longer eats, suggesting that Leah's departure has deeply affected him.

Richard provides updates on the other group members, offering closure on their various fates.

Highlight: Phil's change in behavior, particularly his refusal to eat, symbolizes the profound impact of Leah's departure and possibly his own moral reckoning.

This final act leaves the audience to contemplate the long-term consequences of the group's actions and the moral implications of their choices. The play concludes with an open-ended resolution, inviting viewers to reflect on themes of guilt, responsibility, and the nature of evil.

Vocabulary: Moral reckoning - A moment or process of confronting and evaluating one's moral choices and their consequences.

The structure of DNA by Dennis Kelly, with its four acts and multiple scenes, allows for a deep exploration of character development and thematic progression. This DNA Dennis Kelly summary provides a comprehensive overview of the play's plot and key moments, making it an invaluable resource for students studying DNA Drama GCSE or anyone interested in contemporary theatre.