"Talking Heads"

An analysis of some of the techniques which Alan Bennett uses to convince the voices of his characters to the audience in his book "Talking Heads".

2,245 words () | 1 source | MLA | 2002 United Kingdom

Paper Summary:

This paper reviews Alan Bennett's powerful book "Talking Heads", a compilation of many intriguing characters incorporated within six highly different monologues. It compares and contrasts the varied techniques employed by Bennett in the crafting and presentation of sustained, convincing and engaging voices for his protagonists. It looks at the use of techniques such as stereotypes, character self-denial, humor and moreover the use of powerful language, i.e. witticisms, idioms, cynicism and colloquialisms.

From the Paper:

"Bennett uses a variety of techniques to show the characters emotions in each monologue, some are the same and others are completely different. A change of subject is quite common. In "Soldiering On" Muriel's remorse and grief are shown quite sparsely but when it is shown, "then I felt a bit choked" the subject is changed immediately, "Anyway the tablet did the trick." She appears extremely distraught about her husbands" death but the way she has been brought up dictates her behavior as "keeping up appearances". Bennett shows Susan's emotions in "Bed among the lentils" with the use of frequent sarcasm towards her husband, herself and others. "Geoffrey praying in that pausy way he does." "For once I got it right." "Fan club running around in small circles" Mrs Frobisher even went as far as to squeeze my elbow." Susan created the feeling of being useless and unloved, and basically being in the way."