In what ways could Hugh justifiably be said to be the central character and hero in Translations?

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In what ways could Hugh justifiably be said to be the central character and hero in Translations?

Hugh, as the teacher at the hedge school and as a prominent social figure within Baile Beag, is a central character in the narrative of the play. He is also the device through which Friel arguably sets out what he believes to be the best course of action in response to the situation in Baile Beag, and is therefore the central protagonist in Translations.

 

 He is by no means a traditional hero, in the sense that he not a physically strong and brave man who fights against evil (the English) in order to preserve good (Irish culture). However, it is possible that by refusing to condone any form of violent action regardless of motive and by being in favour of cultural adaptation, Friel has created his own version of heroism in the character of Hugh. In this way he surpasses the more traditional view of heroism, and achieves his end (preserving existing cultural values) by acknowledging that change is inevitable. By concentrating on the development of Hugh’s response to the situation in Baile Beag, we are able to understand the ways in which he is the central character and hero of Translations.

During Act 1, Hugh, like the Irish people, is struggling to come to terms with the implications of the English presence in Baile Beag, and this results in a muddled and inconsistent reaction to events. Throughout act 1, it is obvious that Hugh’s main concerns lie within the preservation of cultural values, and this is evident through his frequent use of Latin and Greek, ‘Adsum, Doalty Adsum. Perhaps not in sobrietate perfecta…’ Even when speaking English, Hugh tends to use words of classical etymology. While this demonstrates how Hugh holds the past to be important, it also creates an element of pomposity in him to the point where it is hard to take Hugh seriously as a character. However, in spite of his pomposity and heavy drinking, Hugh still manages to command respect amongst his peers. This is evident upon his first entrance when Sarah ‘mimes a warning that the master is coming.’ The ‘atmosphere changes’ amongst the characters on stage suggesting that Hugh is, despite the almost ridiculous aspects of his character, a man to be feared.

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In contrast to perhaps a more antagonistic or reluctant reaction to the English presence that might be expected of a patriotic hero, Hugh is very welcoming to Lancey and Yolland when they first arrive, ’you’re very welcome gentlemen.’ He even describes the changing of Gaelic place names and creation of a map as ‘a worthy enterprise.’ This is hardly what we would expect of a hero whose aim is to maintain his cultural values and those of his fellow countrymen. Perhaps this is an example of cowardice on the part of Hugh, not wishing to get on the wrong side of ...

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