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translations


            From pages 31-35, comment on the scenes characters, themes and relate them to wider themes in the play.
             In Brian Friel's "Translations", pages 31 -35 sees the introduction of the imperialistic English society into the Irish culture. This is achieved through the characters of Captain Lancey and Lieutenant Yolland. The introduction of these characters by Owen, leads to the change of country and the erosion of the Irish culture by a more powerful and antithetical society by changing the names of places. In these pages, Friel introduces the idea of how translation can lead to an eradication of identity and culture through a breakdown in communication.
             The characters of Captain Lancey and Lieutenant Yolland are in stark dramatic contrast. Lancey represents the stereotypical colonialist and is describes to be a "crisp officer, (an) expert in his field" whereas Yolland is "a soldier by accident".
             Lancey's British arrogance is noted from the start as his character is described to be "uneasy with people especially these foreign civilians." Here, Friel is able to show his assumption of superiority and his arrogance too as he is the one who is a foreigner, but yet describes the natives as foreign. His ignorance is further exemplified by the fact that he presents his intentions to the people of the hedge school "a shade too loudly enunciating excessively" and communicates, "as if he were addressing children". It is ironic how Lancey assumes superiority but the pupils note his ignorance by the nature of the fact that "Doalty sniggers" as does Bridget and Sarah when Lancey tries to create a visual picture of " A map a picture you understand a paper picture yes?". This presents the idea to the audience that the hedge school has no respect for him despite his belief that they should. This ignorance and arrogance, could confirm the almost born instinctive of hate they have traditionally for the British as for many of the community, this is their first British encounter.


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