How Does Brian Friel convey a sense of cultural identity through the way his characters speak?
Task: How Does Brian Friel convey a sense of cultural identity through the way his characters speak? In the Play 'Translations' the characters are separated into the two groups the English colonists, Captain Lancey and Lieutenant Yolland, and the Gaelic speaking Irish population, Manus, Sarah, Jimmy Jack, Maire, Doalty, Bridget, Hugh and Owen. Coming from different backgrounds mean the two groups the characters speech has been carefully written by Friel to display different cultural identity within their speech, such as different syntax, dialectical lexis and colloquial language. The two English sappers, Lancey and Yolland, speak in standard English both being formal and correct although Yolland also includes politeness, he apprises negative face needs Lancey dose not although the translation by Owen is changed to do so, in his idiolect where as Lancey seems not to do so, for instance when the two are Hugh by his son Owen, Lancey says, "Good Evening", and then continues to use Minimal responses to address the questions posed to him where as Lancey greets Hugh by saying, "How do you do." which carries more polite connotations with it, although his responses are short to the questions he is asked are short they are not minimal responses, like Lanceys, and show he is more willing to engage in phatic communication. Lancey also conveys an authoritive attitude lacking
How does Friel present the duality at the heart of the character O(TM)Neill in the opening scene of making History?
How does Friel present the duality at the heart of the character O'Neill in the opening scene of making History? The character of O'Neil within the play Making History is presented by Friel in several conflicting roles, conveying the inner conflict he feels as a character in various aspects within his life. Friel uses description within stage directions, as well as the actions and dialogue of O'Neil to portray this theme of duality. Two of the main opposing roles played by O'Neill are his public figure, versus his private figure. O'Neill, being a chieftain of Ireland has a major leading stand to play in the politics of his country. In addition, he also acts as an Earl in England, therefore becoming involved in English battles and other political concerns for the opposing country. O'Neill does not express himself through speech particularly in the opening scene and therefore his public authority is suggested through the dialogue of his fellow characters and friends; Harry Hovedon, Lombard and O'Donnell. The play begins on an unusually quiet O'Neill being pestered by Harry about forthcoming functions and invitations that suggest his public demand and connections with both England and Ireland. It is the line, 'Bad news from London, young Essex has been arrested and thrown in the tower', that immediately changes O'Neill from the private man into a public figure. This serious
In what ways does Brian Friel establish the theme of language and communication in Act I of 'Translations'.
In what ways does Brian Friel establish the theme of language and communication in Act I of 'Translations' The play 'Translations' is written by Brian Friel. It is set in 1833 in a small town called Baile Beag in Donegal, Ireland. The main concept of the play is based on the politics between Ireland and England. The British colonists have sent over their soldiers to create an ordnance survey map of Ireland and also introduce a national system of state schools. The play also examines the effects of linguistic, cultural and political changes on the lives and feeling of these townspeople. The actual language of the play is Gaelic (an Irish language) but it is written and performed in English, to help overcome the language barrier. In 'Translations' Brian Friel establishes the themes of language and communication and attempts to get audiences to understand how such themes are significantly related to the themes of power and identity. Brian Friel establishes his themes through the use of various literary devices in Act I of the play, such as, the setting, characterisation, dialogue and symbolism. Another important device is the title; the title itself highlights the theme of language and communication. Act I of the play begins by describing and introducing the setting of the play using the stage directions. It also introduces some of the key characters. The author makes
How does the title 'Translations' relate to the play? In particular explore how Friel intrigues the audience about his translation of Gaelic in Act II Scene II.
Amy Bowring How does the title 'Translations' relate to the play? In particular explore how Friel intrigues the audience about his translation of Gaelic in Act II Scene II. Brian Friel's play 'Translations' demonstrates an important issue that has been circling society for many years that continues to the present. The difference in language and derelict and the violence and disturbance it leads to is something that society is yet to overcome and the need to challenge or change these still lingers. Brian Friel is one the most accomplished play writes of the 21st Century and this particular play show his tremendous skill in which he can address an issue and illustrate the affect it has on society and life. He was born in Omagh, Co. Tyrone in 1929, and the play, 'Translations' was written in 1980, a time of particular aggression and uproar in Ireland. Friel commented in an interview of his own, that he knew the only way this play would be appreciated and it issues explored properly was if it was written and performed in English. This way he believed that the large number of English speaking countries would not overlook and dismiss this play at first glance as what would have most likely happened had it been written in Gaelic Irish. At least this way the most important points would be understood - "...the sad irony, of course, is the fact that this play is be written in English.
'Translations' is essentially a play about change, consider the ways in which Friel introduces and explores this theme in Act 1.
Safia B Essay 'Translations' is essentially a play about change, consider the ways in which Friel introduces and explores this theme in Act 1. Introduction From the statement above I am going to consider the way in which Friel introduces changes that occur in Act1. The First change that we come across in the play is the change of education, changing from a Hedge school into national schools. " Did you apply for that job in the new national school?" Hedge schools were underground throughout the eighteenth century. Their name came from the fact that, that literally was where most of the classes took place at that time. The School Master (Hugh), with 35 years of experience behind him, is dogmatic, peremptory, and short with his pupils, and hoping to "trade up" when a new regional school gets built, though he takes a dim view of emphasizing English. "Did you apply for that job in the new national school?" This quote indicates that Marie realises that there is a change that is going to take place and that times are changing so you just have to accept it. By saying this quote "When it opens, this is finished, nobodies going to pay to go to a hedge school" Marie also shows that the value of a hedge school is nothing as time progresses things modify and you have to accept that, this indicates that Marie is a self-assured, forward thinking character. A further sort of change
Consider the themes of language and naming in Act 1, and explore their relationship to culture and identity.
Consider the themes of language and naming in Act 1, and explore their relationship to culture and identity. 'Translations' is a play by Brian Friel, which is set in a town named Baile Beag, an Irish speaking community. Therefore it is not surprising that when British troops take over Ireland, there is great hostility amongst the Irish people, and this is reflected in the play, as all Irish place names must be changed to British sounding place names. Brian Friel has used this time in history to convey this hostility that the Irish people felt, and through his characters actions and emotions, we see the love hate relationship that the Irish and British felt for one another. He has done so by the use of language and naming in Act 1. Friels use of language and phrases in the play take a key role in the ability to transfer the thoughts of the Irish community, and the reflection that British troops taking over Ireland has had on their sense of belonging, and their identity and culture. The plays name is 'Translations', a word to which we tend to associate a foreign language with. The whole play in itself is a translation from Gaelic to English, so in this way is ironic as the situation that Brian Friel is dealing with in his play is that British troops, apparently unwelcome by most of Ireland, are translating Irish place names into English place names. Therefore, immediately at
The significance of language in any dramatic production, or indeed any piece of performance art, be it song, poetry or whatever, is undoubtedly of great importance, as it is not only the medium through which ideas, thoughts, emotions etc. are communi...
The significance of language in any dramatic production, or indeed any piece of performance art, be it song, poetry or whatever, is undoubtedly of great importance, as it is not only the medium through which ideas, thoughts, emotions etc. are communicated, but also sets the scene in regards to style, feeling, mood and tone, an understanding of which ought to lead to greater appreciation of the work in question. In his Poetics, Aristotle prescribed that the action of a play be "made pleasurable" "in language", (Aristotle: p10). He also states that "The most important quality in diction is clarity, provided there is no loss of dignity", (Aristotle: p36). These instructions however, may apply quite reasonably to almost any other kind of drama, (at least up until its emergence), but can easily be argued to have lost all authority over the kind of dramatisation that falls under the heading of the Theatre of the Absurd, where pleasance, clarity and dignity frequently fall by the wayside. In an arena where the traditional theatrical objectives of representing reality through long-established stage conventions regarding plot, character development, use and structure of language etc. have been all but abandoned, the role of language has been not so much redefined, but rather has been stripped of any clear, distinct, exclusive working definition or suggested structure, so that it
How Have Other Peoples Readings Of "Translations" Helped You To Understand The Contexts Of The Play In Scene 1?
Dave King 12NI How Have Other Peoples Readings Of "Translations" Helped You To Understand The Contexts Of The Play In Scene 1? The first act of Friel's play "Translations" features many different contexts ranging from the infamous potato famine to hinting at the possible forming of the present day IRA (the Donnelly twins,) and politics. One of the major contexts that also coincide with the title of the play is translation. The translation of Irish name into English name. I only realised this by reading a Canadian writers essay on language and its importance in "Translations". Especially in relation to Owen and his take on the Irish language. Where as many Irish people, at the time, saw the English to be taking away Irelands identity by colonizing it and changing names, language etc. Owen seems to be naïve and miss this. By changing place names they are not only taking away identity but also something more intimate, a part of their lifestyle. Hence when the English mistake Owens name to be Roland it seems to be Manus who is more frustrated by this whereas Owen says "Owen - Roland- what the hell. It's only a name. It's the same me, isn't it." The importance (or un-importance, depending how you want to perceive it) of names is brought up firstly at the start of the play when Manus is teaching Sarah to speak. It is important to note that the first thing Manus teaches her to
Do you agree that the multi-lingual policy in Swiss schools helps to create the Swiss identity? Explain your answer.
b) Do you agree that the multi-lingual policy in Swiss schools helps to create the Swiss identity? Explain your answer. [13m] Switzerland has a largely immigrant population. It is made up of people of many different nationalities who speak many different languages. It is divided into four language regions for German, French, Italian and Romansh-speaking people. Pupils are taught at least three languages. They are required to learn English, their own ethnic language and at least another language of the federation. The official teaching language depends on the official language of the region. This is to preserve and promote the national languages of each territory. The second national language is taught to promote understanding among different language groups. English functions as a link between the different language-speaking people, breaking down language between people. All these help to create the Swiss identity. They are able to communicate easily with other Swiss. Through the learning of another language of the federation, pupils gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the language and the people speaking that language. Ultimately, the Swiss live harmoniously together despite their many differences. Another way in which the Swiss identity is created in pupils is through social education. Local history and traditions, customs, rites, folk stories and
The conflicts in
The Conflicts In "Translations" The play "Translations" written by Brian Friel takes place in a small town in Ireland called Baile Beag in the year 1833. In act one, a hedge-school, located in an old barn, is the place in which the story commences. Everything seems to go as usual, with Manus and his father Hugh teaching the class in somewhat a comical manner and with general town gossip being discussed in class. However, then Manus' brother Owen arrives from Dublin and in his company two British soldiers turn up, Captain Lancey and Lieutenant Yolland, who have come in order to map the land and to anglicize the Irish place names. One rapidly notices that these soldiers have brought a high conflict potential into this peaceful town. Nonetheless, they are not the only source of possible disputes in Baile Beag, since Manus is also a character who has numerous conflicts laying ahead, for example with his father about the position at the new school, with Owen and his dubious doings in Baile Beag or with Sarah who wants more than just extra attention from Manus. The conflicts which Friel insinuates in this first act do not only appear to be of a purely personal nature but all represent universal problems, which many have had to face. As many other authors have before him and after him, Brian Friel has integrated the theme of love into his play and going along with it are intricate
