Translations

by Brian Friel

Start Free Trial

Translations Questions and Answers

How does Brian Friel explore colonization in Translations?

How does Friel emphasise cultural identity in Translations?

In what ways is Translations by Brian Friel a cultural response to the Troubles in Northern Ireland?

How the did the British invaders use their English language to Anglicize (colonize) Ireland as represented in the play Translations.

How different is the character of Tennyson's Ulysses from Eliot's J. Alfred Prufrock?

It might be of interest to note that Brian Friel’s play is called Translations (plural), not Translation (singular). Identify several ways that “translation” takes place in the play.  What needs to be translated?  How does it occur (or how successfully does it occur)? What are the obstacles to a successful translation?  Do not simply answer such questions.  And don’t assume translation is exclusively about language, or at least what we mean by language in the narrow sense of the term.

How is cultural identity crucial in understanding Translations? I have snippets of points, but I'm having problems working out a strong, concise thesis. For instance, cultural identity is defined through many factors—including language, and within Translations, there is a power struggle between the English and Irish, based on the erosion of Irish culture by forcing the English language on the community. But how is the concept of cultural identity crucial in understanding Translations? And can I have some guidance in transforming my above point into a strong thesis?

How is the play Translations by Brian Friel about language?

What is the relationship between Brian Friel's Translations and the "What's in a name?" quote from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet?

Discuss the view that the play Translations by Brian Frieldeals with significant issues both in and outside the play.

In Translations by Brian Friel, discuss how their patriotism and resistance is being represented in their pride in their Irish heritage.

In Translations, how does the author make time memorable?