The Piano

The relationship between Baines and Ada in this film is controversial and interesting. The men in this film view Ada as nothing but an object at first. She has been sold by her father to someone she has never met, she is bought by Stewart who she will never love, and she is treated like a prostitute by Baines. Ada and Baines make an agreement where Ada can just sit and play piano while Baines "does things." These things start out small, like rubbing her arms or playing with a hole in her stockings. Ada seems uncomfortable but you never can really tell, because of her muteness. She always agrees to it though, even as Baines becomes more and more sexual, although she does increase the amount of keys she earns for the more intense stuff. It is difficult for the viewer to tell if she is doing this because of her love for the piano, her desire to get revenge on Stewart for bringing her and her daughter there, or a real sexual interest in Baines. I wouldn't call what Baines does as rape. Anna could have communicated with Stewart if she felt truly violated and surely he would have dealt with Baines. However, it is the relationship of Stewart and Ada that feels more like rape. He has basically kidnapped her and made her his slave. When he tries to be physical with her she is very insistent that he doesn't. Baines and Ada's relationship transcends the outward appearance of a man assaulting a woman, and becomes something very sensual and tender. By the end of the film, Ada is so moved that she throws her piano, her voice and the object that inspired the beginnings of their love, into the sea.