2. The Last September
In Elizabeth Bowen’s The Last September, there is evidence of a
personal identity crisis regarding Lois, and a national identity crisis of
Ireland as a whole.
The divide between the Irish and English is made evident in quotes
such as “All this is terrible for you all, isn’t it? I do think you’re so
sporting the way you just stay where you are and keep going on.
Who would ever have thought of the Irish turning out so disloyal—I
mean, of course, the lower classes! I remember Mother saying in
1916—you know, when that dreadful rebellion broke out—she said:
‘This has been a shock to me; I never shall feel the same about the
Irish again!’” Lines 755-758
3. The Last September: National Identity
Ireland is in the midst of a changing of national identities at this point. England has
made it its mission to get rid of the Irishness in Ireland. This Anglicization is most
obviously noted in the quote “Gerald would have wished to explain that no one
could have a sounder respect than himself and his country for the whole principle
of nationality, and that it was with some awareness of misdirection, even of
paradox, that he was out here to hunt and shoot the Irish.” Ch. 3 Lines 1619-1621
It is not very obvious throughout the novel whether the Irish truly want the change
of culture or not.
Some lines such as “...she was in there the whole time, and being English and
honourable, began to rattle her chest of drawers. Ch 1 Lines 126-127”, which
equates being English with being honorable, seem as though the English were
considered more esteemed than the Irish, even by some of the Irish.
4. The Last September: National Identity
In other parts of The Last September, the English who are occupying and invading
Ireland are seen as evil. This is shown in quotes such as “But their sister had not cared
for the party, she thought the English unnatural and said it was extraordinary how their
voices sounded when they were all shut up in the one room. (Pt. 1, Ch. 5)”
The best summary of the general feel that the Irish have for the English is stated in lines
such as “Really altogether, I think all English people very difficult to trace. They are so
pleasant and civil, but I do often wonder if they are not a little shallow: for no reason at
all they will pack up everything and move across six counties.(Pt. 1, Ch. 7)”
5. The Last September: Personal Identity
Though it is obvious that everyone is dealing with some sort of identity crisis in this
struggle for national identity, it is most evident in Lois.
Having lost her mother very young and being thrown into a changing of nationalities, it
seems as though Lois is struggling to find herself.
Through quotes such as ““My dears, I do wish I knew if we really were asked. Lois is
so—I mean, well, you know—vague, isn’t she? (Pt. 1, Ch. 5)” it is made obvious that
people see Lois as a blank slate to which they can add whatever personality they
choose for her.
6. The Last September: Personal Identity
This forcing of identities upon Lois hits a high note in the line “She was saying: ‘I feel
certain you have illusions about me, I don’t believe you know what I’m like a bit.’ (Pt. 1,
Ch. 5)” In passages such as this, it is made conspicuous that Lois is struggling with her
own identity as others try to stick her with whatever they believe her to be.
Lois herself seems to be grasping to whatever she thinks may suit her. In part 2,
chapter 4 Lois thinks to herself “‘I must marry Gerald.’” This sudden decision to marry
Gerald doesn’t seem to be influenced by love as much as it does by a need to decide
where she’s going.
In the end of the novel, Lois eventually leaves Ireland. Even at this point, Lois’ identity
is still not obvious to the reader.
7.
8. Translations
In Brian Friel’s Translations, there is an obvious
struggle for national identity as the English rip
away the Irish language. This is best represented
through Yolland’s actions as he denies his English
culture to fully immerse himself in the Irish cultue
he has come to know and love.
9. Characters in Translations
Hugh (Schoolmaster)
- Sarah, Bridget - Students
- Doalty - Student
- Lancey - works with Owen and
Manus
(Teacher)
Yolland, cartographer
Maire
(Woman in
her 20’s)
Lieutenant
Yolland
(English
orthographer)
Owen
(Translator)
10. Translations: National Identity
Yolland: "Perfect English. English perfect." Act II, Scene ii
This quote condenses the intent of the English soldiers into one line. In
this scene Yolland and Maire try to communicate even though they can’t
speak each others’ language. Despite the romance blossoming between
Yolland and Maire, it still seems necessary for her to learn English in
order to be a part of the new anglicized Ireland.
Owen: "George! For God's sake! My name is not Roland!" Act II, Scene i
This line offers a humorous interjection to the play. The tension building
between Yolland and Owen finally erupts when Owen can no longer take
being called Roland. It seems as though Owen's name somehow got lost
in translation, and it led to this frustration.
11. Translations: National Identity
The sappers have already mapped out most of the area. YOLLAND'S official task, which OWEN
is now doing, is to take each of the Gaelic names-every hill, stream, rock, and even every patch
of ground which possessed its own distinctive Irish name-and Anglicise it, either by changing
it into its approximate English sound or by translating it into English words. p. 39
These stage directions depict a sense of national identity, because it shows how the English
were trying to take over and change the Irish and their entire way of living. It shows that this
signifies more than just a change of language or renaming areas on a map, but the English
wish to change Irish culture completely
Yolland: "... Even if I did speak Irish I'd always be seen as an outsider here, wouldn't I? I may
learn the password but the language of the tribe will always elude me, won't it?..." p. 48
Yolland's insecurities in these lines illustrate a longing of new national identity because
Yolland is trying to conform to the Irish way of life. He disappears and the English soldiers
come looking for him and threaten to evict anyone who helps hide him. The great effort put into
hunting him down shows how big of a problem Yolland's desire to belong in Ireland is.
12. Translations: National and Personal Identity
Owen: "And he drinks too much. Is it astute not to be able to adjust for
survival? Enduring around truths immemorially positioned - hah!"
These lines show a denial for one's own national identity. Owen rejects
the alcoholism of his father, and in a way this can symbolize him rejecting
his former Irish identity.
Sarah: "Sarah Johnny Sally" Act I, Scene i
Sarah finally says her name and this clearly signifies a claim of personal
identity. Before this she had not spoken her name. This being placed at
the beginning of the play makes it more significant. It shows an
immediate claim of personal identity before the conflict is even
introduced
13. Media for Translations
Translations was an award winning play. As
stated in the article by Kirsty Blake Knox, the
play was made much more important by being
on the list for Oscars. People who spoke Irish
could finally see their language as relevant by
this play becoming famous.
