In Murmuring Judges, David Hare uses Barry to represent the stereotypical bent policemen that were seen as typical in the late 1980s and early 90s

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Barry role and representation

In Murmuring Judges, David Hare uses Barry to represent the stereotypical ‘bent’ policemen that were seen as typical in the late 1980s and early 90s. Through Barry, Hare shows not only corruption in the police force, as evidenced by Barry planting the Semtex, but also suggests that the police were overworked and under budgeted, “too much overtime”. Here, Hare shows the dichotomy of sympathy for the police alongside corruption, as he shows Barry to be trying to do is job in difficult times, however, the overarching role of Barry is to show corruption and immorality in policing.

Throughout the play, Hare shows the effect of the 1984 Criminal Evidence Act, intended to make policing more about paperwork, and shows how the police feel it is undermining their job; “we should all just sit in the nick and make policy drafts” highlights how this has changed the nature of policy. Barry is presented as against this, and continues to use older methods of policing, “It’ my method.” Through this, Hare portrays police corruption, as Barry’s methods are often immoral and even illegal. Hare also presents Barry to see some crimes as “boring” and “pointless”, which suggests he is only interested in crimes he can get a good result for, such as bringing down Travis and Fielding in Gerard McKinnon’s crime. Hare also shows Barry to think police resources are wasted by saying “and yet look at us”, highlighting his personal frustration as again shown by “please tell me, what is the point?” Interest, Barry seemingly has the same perception of lawyers as the audience have through Sir Peter, suggesting they are “rich bastards” who participate in “tax evasion”. It could then be argued that Barry feels justified in his corruption, as the government is also corrupt, “the government happily lets rich bastards walk away with”. “You used to be smart” suggests Barry wasn’t always corrupt, which again suggests his actions are due to his frustration at the justice system.

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The relationship between Barry and Sandra gives the audience insight into both Barry’s character and feelings towards women at the time. Although there is a difference in rank between the pair, DC to PC, Barry is never shown to treat men in a lesser position with the same patronising manner he uses towards Sandra. Here, Hare portrays sexism within the police at the time, which is furthered by Sandra and Barry’s affair, as it could be argued that Sandra is stereotypically ‘sleeping her way to the top’. Hare shows Barry to “get a kick out of secrecy”, which is in ...

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