'Hannah is the character the audience admires most: the play's real heroine' - How far do you agree with this assessment of Stoppard's presentation of Hannah Jarvis?

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‘Hannah is the character the audience admires most: the play’s real heroine’. How far do you agree with this assessment of Stoppard's presentation of Hannah Jarvis?

The way in which Stoppard presents the character of Hannah; an independent and spirited women creates an appreciation for her character. However in terms of her being the heroine of the play is debatable with the opposition of Thomasina. Especially since Thomasina is central to Hannah’s research and it is Thomasina who really stands out in the play for her discoveries and theories.

Stoppard presentation of Hannah’s personality is established even through minor details in the stage notes, referring to what she wears as ‘nothing frivolous’ indicating her character doesn’t like to draw attention and is modest. This itself is a quality any person would look up to and be admirable from the audience’s position. Even when Hannah knows Bernard’s theory is wrong her morals compel her to warn Bernard of the consequences if he is wrong;’ You deserve what you get and I think you’re mad. But I can’t help myself, you’re like some exasperating child pedalling its tricycle towards the edge of a cliff, and I have to do something’. Her attitude here, even though witty and humorous would also increase the audiences respect for her character since they already know the true story.

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Hannah’s opinion of men is quite obvious, referring to men in general as ‘two marbles rolling around a pudding basin. One of them is always sex’, suggesting men are always thinking about sex. Her cynical attitude towards men is displayed throughout the play and it is quite clear she doesn’t need men, again linking to her portrayal as a spirited and independent character. Her determination to be an independent, single women is clear as she firmly rejects Chloe’s suggestion that she has Bernard as a dancing partner; ‘I don’t want to dress up and I don’t want a dancing partner’. ...

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