Murmuring Judges
Re-read Act 2 Scene 3. How does Hare present tensions between characteristics in this scene and the play as a whole?
In ‘Murmuring Judges’, Hare demonstrates many different tensions between the various characters and systems within the play. In Act 2 Scene 3, we witness the events taking place inside the police station. We see their day to day actions, mainly filling out paper work. However also included is an intimate conversation between Barry and Sandra, exposing Barry’s corrupt actions against Gerard and the other criminals. Throughout the scene, and indeed the rest of the play, Hare presents tensions in different ways, whether it be through the language use of the characters, the structure of their sentences or even the stage directions.
Perhaps the most prominent tension that Hare has presented in this scene is in the relationship between Barry and Sandra. The pair find themselves alone within the police station and immediately the audience understands that they are romantically involved, but are keeping it a secret. “I do get tired of the secrecy. It makes the whole thing seem silly. Assignations. Times and places.” It’s already been made clear that their relationship is strained, with Barry describing it as if it was work. However, it’s through the language of Sandra that the tensions between the two are made obvious to the audience. “Don’t you rather like that?”, “Hasn’t it?”, “is that what you mean?”. Sandra’s frequent questioning suggests annoyance with what Barry’s saying, unable to understand or accept his speech.
Hare also uses sentence structure to express the tensions between the pair. ‘How are you? Fine. I haven’t seen you. No.’ Hare has used very short sentences to further demonstrate that the relationship is strained, with an awkwardness and hesitation in their communication. To add even more to this effect, Hare uses the stage directions to show just how tense it is. ‘(She waits)’, ‘(He waits a moment)’, ‘(There’s a pause)’. Hare uses
In ‘Murmuring Judges’, Hare demonstrates many different tensions between the various characters and systems within the play. In Act 2 Scene 3, we witness the events taking place inside the police station. We see their day to day actions, mainly filling out paper work. However also included is an intimate conversation between Barry and Sandra, exposing Barry’s corrupt actions against Gerard and the other criminals. Throughout the scene, and indeed the rest of the play, Hare presents tensions in different ways, whether it be through the language use of the characters, the structure of their sentences or even the stage directions.
Perhaps the most prominent tension that Hare has presented in this scene is in the relationship between Barry and Sandra. The pair find themselves alone within the police station and immediately the audience understands that they are romantically involved, but are keeping it a secret. “I do get tired of the secrecy. It makes the whole thing seem silly. Assignations. Times and places.” It’s already been made clear that their relationship is strained, with Barry describing it as if it was work. However, it’s through the language of Sandra that the tensions between the two are made obvious to the audience. “Don’t you rather like that?”, “Hasn’t it?”, “is that what you mean?”. Sandra’s frequent questioning suggests annoyance with what Barry’s saying, unable to understand or accept his speech.
Hare also uses sentence structure to express the tensions between the pair. ‘How are you? Fine. I haven’t seen you. No.’ Hare has used very short sentences to further demonstrate that the relationship is strained, with an awkwardness and hesitation in their communication. To add even more to this effect, Hare uses the stage directions to show just how tense it is. ‘(She waits)’, ‘(He waits a moment)’, ‘(There’s a pause)’. Hare uses