Translations - Character Study.

Authors Avatar

Translations - Character Study

Manus

  • Manus is the son of Hugh, brother of Owen and a teacher at the hedge school.
  • At first there is a great contrast between the brothers, however, as the play progresses it is apparent that they have adopted each others characteristics. Manus has strong views on the re naming of Irish towns but they are very different to those belonging to Owen. Manus is angry with the English belief that the Irish town names are "incorrect" whereas Owen considers it to be "only a name"
  • Manus is described as having a "zeal" for teaching and this supported by his relationship with Sarah. It is clear that Sarah has deeper feelings for Manus than a regular teacher and student relationship. "She smiles in shy, embarrassed pleasure." (P.3). Manus also appears to truly care for Sarah and it is debatable whether one of Manus' reasons for leaving the hedge school was because he did not want his feelings for Sarah to progress.
  • At the beginning of the play a relationship between Manus and Maire is indicated. As the play progresses this relationship deteriorates as Maire and Yolland (an English man) fall in love. When Manus finds out about this relationship he is severely hurt and this leads to him leaving the town of Baile Beag and running away from his problems.
  • There are many examples throughout the play when Manus makes sacrifices for the people from the people within the hedge school. One such example is when his father Hugh applies for a new job at the national school. Manus feels he can not apply (even though he would probably be better suited for the job) as he will be going against his father's wishes. This angers Maire as Manus promised her he would go for the job. This is one of the first apparent signs of a strain being put on their relationship, which would eventually lead to its downfall.

Words that describe Manus: optimist, kind, considerate, encouraging.

Owen

  • When Owen is introduced to the play he is portrayed as being a well respected a successful man. He is a city man who owns "ten big shops in Dublin." (P.28). Owen's arrival is a cause for celebration for all those involved in the hedge school, however, the celebration is overshadowed by the arrival of the English who Owen is working with.
  • Owen's works as a "civil interpreter" which means he translates Irish place names into English. He is fluent in both languages. At first Owen was not concerned about changing Irish town names into English ones, which have no meaning and therefore lose their Irish heritage. As the play progresses, however his view changes and he learns how important the ritual of naming is.
  • Owen has a strong relationship with his father and brother. "He embraces Hugh warmly and gently". Throughout the play Owen and Manus have differing views, opinions and roles in the situations which occur but despite this it is evident that the brothers share a mutual affection. "He punches Manus lightly, playfully." (P.37). Owen also has a strong relationship with his father. Hugh is proud his sons success and this is shown on Owen's arrival when Hugh feels a "joy" towards his sons warm return.
Join now!

Words that describe Owen: kind, considerate, successful, likeable and enthusiastic.

Hugh

  • Hugh is the master of the hedge school. Although he is clearly intelligent with his knowledge of the classics and his fluency in English and Irish his drinking problem results in his downfall. "Hugh is equally as drunk but more experienced in drunkenness: there is a portion of his mind which retains its clarity" (P.84).
  • Hugh is a well known and respected character within the community. He introduces others who are not part of the hedge school into the play such as when he ...

This is a preview of the whole essay