How is contemporary society portrayed in 'Talking Heads'?

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Gillian Hardie

How is contemporary society portrayed in ‘Talking Heads’?

We have been studying three different monologues written by Alan Bennett. They are ‘Her Big Chance’ involving Lesley an actress, ‘Bed Among the Lentils’ with Susan, a vicars wife and ‘A Chip in the Sugar’ including Graham who still lives with his mother. In this essay I am going to discuss how contemporary society is portrayed in all three. There are many different issues in our society which are raised in talking heads, for example: religion, ageism and sexuality.

Sexuality

Sexuality is involved in all three monologues, but more in Graham’s. All throughout ‘A Chip in the Sugar’ there is suspicion that Graham is gay. An example of this is in the clothes he wears. “Plastic Mac”, “and flares are anathema even in Bradford”, and “grey socks and sandals.” Mr Turnbull suggests that these clothes are not suitable for a young man of today. Also at the very end of the monologue our suspicions appear to be correct when Graham’s mother says, “I know the kind of magazines you read” I said, “Chess. You’ll catch a cold” She said, “They never are chess. Chess with no clothes on. Chess in their birthday suits. That kind of chess. Chess men.” I said, “Go to bed. And turn your blanket off”. Here Graham’s mother has finally gained power after Graham’s secret is revealed. We can see that he tries to regain the power as he tries to remind her again to knock her blanket off. Graham uses his mother’s problem with remembering things quite often when he feels he is losing power.

In ‘Her Big Chance’ there is only one occasion when sexuality is involved. Lesley does not like what Scott had just commented about and so to make herself feel better says, “I’ve a feeling Scott may be gay. I normally like them only I think he’s one of ones that turned bitter.” She uses the excuse that he said what he did because he is one of the bitter ones. We can see her make her make similar excuses for things she doesn’t like in other places in the monologue.

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There is also very little sexuality included in Susan’s monologue. Geoffrey, her husband has just finished a sermon on sex, and she has over heard Miss Budd and Miss Bantock’s discussion. “Not to mention whatever shamefaced fumblings go on between Miss Budd and Miss Bantock. “It’s alright if we offer it to God, Alice” “well if you say so Pauline.” Here Susan is implying that they are lesbians.

Religion

Religion is quite important part of the monologue ‘Bed Among the Lentils’ as Susan, the main characters husband is a vicar. I think that the whole thing briefly suggests ...

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