D.

Kim With references to specific episodes, discuss the presentation and significance of the English characters in Translations In Brian Friels Translations there are two English characters; Lieutenant Yolland and Captain Lancey. Yollands role in this play is to introduce the idea of international love and non-verbal communication. In addition, he is a representation of Ireland and Englands unstable relationship. Since the imperialistic English could easily overwhelm Irish with its superior army. Lancey in this play, signifies the strict and arrogant British imperialism. We first encounter Yollands true character in his conversation with Owen. In this conversation he asserts his interest in the curly-haired Maire Chatach because of the music coming from [her] house. He also asks Owen if he could live here. Unfortunately he learns that he is unable to fully become an Irishmen. He will stay as an outsider. Yolland understands language is hermetic and has a private core- culture. Through this Friel explains the importance of language. Firstly the word hermetic has a quite exquisite and magical connotation which Friel may be trying to convey. Language is not simply a form of communication; it is also the individuals identity. It is easy to learn the language but you cannot become one with the native speakers without the private core. And culture is what shapes us, henceforth our identity. Then Friel displays the unimportance of language between lovers. Friels perception of the language barrier is shown through Yollands interaction with Maire. After the dance, Yolland tries communicate to Maire of how he cannot keep up with her. But she replies incorrectlywait till I get my breath back. Then Maire uses her English phrase; in Norfolk we besport ourselves around the maypoll. When Yolland hears his mothers home town he uses his only Irish words; Bun na hAbhann, Poll na gCaorach (Irish place names). For this situation Allan believes Friel juxtaposes two forms of communication: the failed and the successful. Manuss communication to Maire was failed as it only involved verbal communication, no physical contact. Here we see Yolland and Maire being overcoming the language barrier showing the significance of non-verbal communication. In our current world we are seeing the decline of face to face interactions. Through the invention of indirect communication methods (the internet). Friel may have used place names to connect the two lovers, since it would be quite unlikely for couples their partners nations place names. Using this impossibility Friel asserts the impossible is possible. Lovers do not need words to convey their love. They require human interaction and affection. In addition the language barrier may depict social barriers preventing two people from loving each other. For example; social status (farmer, soldier), gender, and culture (Irish, English).Unfortunately peace and love between Maire and Yolland is impossible, just like the relationship between Ireland and England. The unstable relationship between England and Ireland is shown by Yollands disappearance. From what the audience can infer Yollands disappearance is linked to the Donnelly twins. Due to the fact Doalty ominously explains they can defend against a trained army as the twins know how. Plus the fact they were responsible to the disappearance of the two horses, and Lancey was looking for them before. Yolland has mentioned before a little girl spat at [him]. By this we can infer that the Irish are quite against his appearance as a little girl most likely learnt to hate the English from her parents. This episode may also be an analogy for a

historical event. Dan O Connell was successful enough to emancipate Ireland. Similar to Maire, who could have been emancipated by the Irish poverty through Yollands clean hands, representing affluence. Allan substantiates, when Yolland appears, Maire is ripe for infidelity as her love for Manus is wane. But the Irish hope is easily broken by the English imperialism. Maires hope was also destroyed the same way as the Irish hatred for English lead to Yollands disappearance- most likely. Friel paints a more detailed picture of English imperialism using Captain Lancey. Even from the start Lancey is portrayed as a symbol for imperialistic England. He tries to enunciat[ate] excessively and repeats words, as if it will help convey the content. Ignorance and arrogance is shown by the Lancey not being able to distinguish Latin and Gaelic. Also he explains elementary concepts like map[s], but he then changes and insensitively refers to Ireland as this part of the Empire By using Lancey, Friel is able to convey some of the stereotypes of imperialistic nations in general. Due to their wealth and strength they do not have the need to learn other languages, and are ignorant. They considered themselves superior and were condescending to their colonies. But in reality their colonies, like Ireland had a more superior knowledge of Greek and Latin, and a beautiful language that contained mythologies and history embedded in their language. Translations a play by Brian Friel only has two English characters. But these characters are very major in plot and themes. It is Lancey who initiates the conflict by making a map. Yollands disappearance compels Lancey to start the colonisation of Ireland. This play has two very important themes love and language. Using Yolland, Friel introduces international love and nonverbal communication. It is also through Yolland how we learn the importance of language. He also may have introduced Dan O Connell through his disappearance. Then Lancey appears to portray imperial England. In this play Friels main idea is how imperialism destroys love, language and culture.