A Sense of Tragedy and Humour in alan Bennett's Talking Heads Monologues

A Sense of Tragedy and Humour in alan Bennett's Talking Heads Monologues

Alan Bennett uses a variety of techniques to convey a sense of both

tragedy and humour in his 'Talking Heads' monologues. I will be

looking specifically at 'Bed Among The Lentils' and 'Cream Cracker

Under The Settee.' Alan Bennett achieves both of these effects by use

of several clever choices regarding the casting as well as sound and

visual effects.

There are two very different types of humour in 'Bed Among The

Lentils' and 'Cream Cracker Under The Settee'. BATL uses a lot of

sarcastic, bitter humour whereas CCUTS uses some wry, discreet humour

and at times Doris, the elderly woman in CCUTS, seems to be mocking

herself

"Love God and close all gates."

"I ought to put a note on the gate. 'Not my leaves.'

The second example gives the impression that she is almost embarrassed

by having leaves in her garden and feels that people must acknowledge

the fact that they are not her leaves.

Susan mocks other people and not herself "Big day for you", she says

this to Mr and Mrs Belcher as they carry out simple tasks. This shows

that she is bitter, resentful and patronising towards them; this may

be because she is jealous of them as they are receiving thanks and

affection from Geoffrey - something she rarely gets.

Whenever Doris uses humour she changes her tone of voice but keeps her

facial expressions the same throughout the piece. Whereas, Susan

changes her facial expressions and looks directly at the camera for

humorous points. However, she only changes the tone of her voice when

she is imitating someone. This shows the age difference and mobility

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...d ensures that they have a greater

awareness to the character's story.

In my view, the camera is hidden to the character and they are looking

back on their lives. This is very effective as the characters are

completely open about there feelings and emotions.

If they were done in play form I do not think they would be as

effective in conveying a sense of both humour and tragedy as the

viewer's attention would occasionally be drawn towards other

characters on stage.

In conclusion I feel that these two dramatic monologues are extremely

effective at conveying both humour and tragedy. They achieve this

effect through the use of effective choices with regards to the stage

directions and sound effects. The dramatic monologue form makes the

whole thing feel more personal and creates sympathy for these

characters.