Alan Bennett Talking Heads
In Bennett's monologues the main character faces an important decision
which will affect the course of their lives. I will go on and explain
in this essay, the play writer's use of literary techniques -
including setting, theme and characterisation- which may make the
decision seem correct or not. Talking Heads was originally produced
for BBC television but has recently been used as a collection of short
stories. Each of the characters portrayed, is played by an actress
that has been previously associated with Alan Bennett e.g.:Thora Hird
who plays Doris worked on a BBC Radio 4 programme - Deadringers .It is
safe to say that Alan Bennett tailored some of the material, to suit
the actors, own individual style of acting.
Each literal technique plays its own vital part of the story and to
begin with I am going to look at how setting takes shape in the plays.
Most of Bennett's work is focused primarily in the North of England,
mainly Yorkshire, partly because that is where he grew up and a
Northern perceptive is shown throughout the monologues. While
Bennett's "Englishness" and "Northerness" (terms by no means
synonymous) are evident to see, they are no more nationalistic nor
restricting."
But at a closer view, the three stories I am studying are set mainly
in a few areas- A Chip in the Sugar is quite spread out over a
distance(Lancashire, Durham and Yorkshire), whereas 'A lady of
Letters' and 'A Cream Cracker' are set in the house of the persona.
Setting greatly influences the characters behaviour and attitude,
because they are Northerners, they are very traditional people who are
stuck in their ways, and of course this opens the North- South Divide
argument. We British (par...
... middle of paper ...
...alks Graham
thinks to himself- "Leonard you expose your self in Sainsbury's
doorway. Like mother said Tesco you can understand".
This is an excellent example of humour in Talking Heads but also an
sample of what British comedy is about - humour where we answer back
with a sarcastic comment! .So Bennett's humour is typically of British
comedy throughout the 1970s.The fact that we do laugh, is because of
his biting turn of phrase and Bennett's talent for delivering his
barbs with brilliantly chosen wit.
To conclude
Alan Bennett has truly delivered a great piece of work, which will be
remembered for its humour and classics perceptive of British life. His
use of techniques and word choice, are not only funny, but thought
provocative, by making us think about the issues which plague our
society today. To sum up Talking, Heads, in one word - "Brilliant".
I am going to start my essay by looking at the way in which plays were
The play is set in three scenes. The entire play is set in the dining
the play is set in 1912. The main themes of the play are lies, love,
· The social class system at the time when the play is set, (rich and
reach into the ideas and themes of the play so we will have a good
shall firstly do a summery of the play and give a basic image of what
created the play as a comedy, showing how the world might be in the times of the
4. A lot of your paper appears to be plot summary. You do not have to tell the whole story when writing your paper. Quotes are enough to explain what is going on in the play. Concentrate only on proving your point and why your point is important to the play.
Setting in all types of literature is a basic element that at a foundational level provides the reader with an atmosphere and physical place to position the characters. The setting in any dramatic work is an especially vital element since gives the players somewhere to bring to life the playwrights work. Furthermore, “The settings [the playwrights] describe are symbols that give the plays their meaning” (Barnet, Cain 210). Even a bare stage will contribute to the symbolism and theme presented on the stage. Every play ever written has been assigned a setting and each and every one has made an impact on the writing style, topics, and theme encompassed in the play.
Firstly I would set this play in the 21st century so that a modern audience could relate to it. Algernon, one of the main characters in the play, would live in a luxury apartment in the centre of London, over looking the River Thames. His apartment would have a minimalist theme to it and would be influenced by aesthetic; for example he would have a piece of abstract art on the wall for no reason other than that he thinks it looks nice.
Throughout history literature has changed into many different forms and styles, it has also stayed the same in many different ways, literary techniques and elements are key to a good piece of writing, a perfect example that shows us just this is in, A Midsummer Nights Dream, where we will further explore the different literary elements that were used most notably the plot. The plot of a story lays out the foundation and the background for the entire play to come, we'll compare and contrast this element and look at the different sub elements which are produced. We will define similarities and difference in these elements form both the play o the film. Taking a look at things such as climax, play incidents, and the conflict will all give us a better understanding of how it affects the similarities and difference of the film versus the play.
with what you feel are the main themes of the play that you want to
Within the first act of play the representation of the social classes begins to unfold. Shakespeare ...
of interest to the play making it a great play to read and also act
In the play it can be seen that there are various ways in which the