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 that in our time not as many people have such strong beliefs as they did 50 years ago. This can be seen in a lot of sarcastic remarks which Susan makes. “So Geoffrey concludes, when we put our money in the plate it is a symbol of everything in our lives we are offering to God and that includes our sex. I could only find 10p” This is saying that she doesn’t think much of her sex life and also shows how weak her beliefs in God are. One other particular quote I find interesting is “To look at me, the hair, the flat chest, the wan smile, you’d think I was just cut out for God.” Here I think she is saying that’s what everyone expects a vicar’s wife to be, which most of us probably do. A lot of other religion related comments are made and I think they are trying to make people realise that we just go with what the trend is at the time.
There is only one encounter with religion in ‘A Chip in the Sugar’, which is when the vicar is visiting. I find that the majority of this monologue is anti-racist in tone. “Well I’ve always thought Jesus was a bit off-hand with his mother, and on one occasion I remember he was quite snotty with her, but I didn’t say anything.” This is probably the opinion of many people in our society today too. Graham’s mother also appears anti-racist as she comments on the vicar’s trainers. “He said, “They’re training shoes.” She said, “Training for what? Are you fully qualified?” It is clear that she doesn’t fully understand the vicar as she actually thinks they are trainers he wears for ‘vicar training.’
I found it very hard to find anything to do with religion in Lesley’s monologue. This could be because there is such a strong sexual tone to it. This may also be suggesting that religion is not an important part of Lesley’s life.
Sexual Orientation
In all three monologues there is some kind of sexual orientated presence, but just like religion and sexuality are more present in the other monologues this is the main topic in ‘Her Big Chance’. There are several hints that suggest Lesley has been sleeping with people, but it is never actually stated. A good example of this is with Terry. “His room’s nicer than mine, his bathroom’s got a hair-dryer.” There is no actual implication that she slept with him but we can guess that she spent the night in his room. This also happens with Kenny the pet trainer. “I woke up in the middle of the night and couldn’t remember where I was. Then I saw the cat sitting there, watching the trout.” It is also obvious here she has slept with him. I also find interesting that in both occasions before these lines she tries to make out they are very professional and actually very friendly as they both say either “you sound like a cultured person” or “two people just talking about something interesting” Throughout this monologue there is a sexual related feel, as Lesley is an actress on a video “targeted chiefly on West Germany”.
In Graham’s monologue there are one or two comments with a sexual manner to them, most of which include Graham’s mother and Mr Turnbull. When the two first meet there is a sexual joke which relates to the past they had. “It must be fifty years.” He said, “Fifty two. Filey. 1934.” She said, “Sea Crest.” He said, “No sand in the bedrooms”. And they both cracked out laughing.” Graham feels quite awkward here and tries to regain the power by his usual way of changing the subject, usually involving one of his mother’s problems. There are also other quotes which suggest Graham is embarrassed about this subject when he is at his counselling session. “Then Janice chips in. “Had they been having sexual intercourse?” I said I didn’t want to think about it.” I think Graham’s reaction is a reflection of our society and how people react. There is also a hint of ageism in this quote, as he doesn’t feel old people can have feelings for each other in this way or fall in love.
The sexual orientation in Susan’s monologue is reflected mainly from the affair she is having with Mr Ramesh. “I was so drunk I used to go sleep with an Asian grocer. The affair between them is spoken about quite openly but at the same time done subtly. “I said, “What’s tonight?” He said, “A Chance in a million. A turn-up for the books. Will you take your clothes off please?” And I did.” This is all that’s said and so is why it is done subtly but is also open because she does not try to cover up the fact they are having an affair.
Racism
There is slight racism in Graham’s monologue. Mr Turnbull asks “Do you like the Pakistanis?” Graham’s mother replies “Well in moderation. We have a nice newsagent.” Then quoting Graham she says, “Graham thinks were all the same.” But earlier on Graham said “discussions about up-to-the-minute issues like the environment and the colour problem.” If he thought we were all the same then he wouldn’t say there is a problem. So he is contradicting himself and although he makes out his mother doesn’t understand he obviously doesn’t either.
Although Susan may be a vicar’s wife she lives up to nothing we expect from a vicar’s wife. She is slightly racist to Mr Ramesh even though she is having an affair with him. “There’s a little Indian shop behind the Infirmary I’ve found.” Here I think she is stereotyping newsagent owners of whet we typically expect them to be; just like we did with Susan. Just because it is owned by an Asian does not make it an “India” shop, another good example of our society today.
Conclusion
In conclusion I think that contemporary society is portrayed very well in ‘Talking Heads’ through the issues Alan Bennett includes. He shows that all of us have different views to the different monologues. I found it very hard to find anything to do with racism, religion or sexuality in Lesley’s monologue. I think this is because Bennet is trying to get across that some people’s lives include just one issue in society, whereas others can contain a combination of all different issues like Graham. I also think Bennet has helped us to learn from our reactions and opinions, as we have seen how selfish we are with opinions and need time to consider them more and change them.
But do we choose what we want to dismiss and only have what we think in our heads or do we just say and think what the rest of society is thinking, and have we just been brainwashed with ideas? Deep down I think we all do not truly believe with the majority but are afraid to be singled out for having different opinions.
