Narrator & Other Characters Flashcards
1
Q
Who is the narrator?
A
- Russell creates a ‘character’ of the narrator
- Acts a little like the Greek ‘Chorus’ from ancient tragedy
2
Q
What does the narrator do for the play?
A
- Role is to explain some of the key action on stage.
- Involves the audience by asking them directly to judge what they see.
- He helps to make sure that the audience stay a little ‘detached’ from the events of the play and also helps them remember that this is a ‘story’.
- Reveals that the brothers die at the very start of the play and from then on constantly reminds the audience of the twins’ fate.
- Presents the themes of fate, destiny and superstition throughout the play, but at the end he asks the audience to consider if it was social forces rather than ‘fate’ that caused the tragedy.
3
Q
Why are minor characters like the judge, the milkman, the policeman and the teachers used?
A
- Minor characters are created for dramatic purposes.
- Either lack sympathy or are unfair and two-faced when dealing with others.
- They represent social institutions, which Russell seems to suggest are prejudiced.
4
Q
How does the policeman behave?
A
- The policeman is friendly at the wealthy Lyons’ house, but in contrast is harsh when dealing with the Johnstones
5
Q
How does the milkman’s behaviour change?
A
- The milkman won’t listen to Mrs Johnstone’s valid excuses initially
- Once she has some money at her new home he is pleasant and flirts with her
6
Q
How does the judge behave?
A
- The judge gives Sammy a lighter sentence than would have normally have been handed out
- Only because he is attracted to Mrs Johnstone’s appearance
7
Q
Why is the behaviour of the milkman and the policeman significant?
A
- It highlights the fact that society is ruled by class
- Higher members of society will treat the different classes differently too
8
Q
Why is the behaviour of the judge significant?
A
- Highlights some element of corruption within the state
- Shows the Mrs Johnstone may be seen as an object, not a woman
