Cultural Context: Comparative Study (70 Marks) : TH TH

Cultural Context: Comparative Study (70 marks)
 The world in which the text is set.

 The study of society and how it affects the lives of the character.
 Issues: Values of society, gender, religion, social class, poverty/wealth, politics and stereotypes.
 The impact of these issues and of society on the central character.
 Helps to understand how individuals and societies are shaped and how they interact.
Three central characters & their texts
1. Gareth O Donnell (Philadelphia Here I Come by Brian Friel)

2. Christine McPherson (Ladybird by Greta Gerwig)
3. Primo Levi (If This Is a Man by Primo Levi)
Where and when the texts are set
1. Set in Ballybeg, Donegal during the 1960s

2. Set in Sacramento, California during 2002 (contemporary modern setting)
3. Set in Italy and Poland (Monowitz-Buna) from 13th of December 1943 until 27th of January 1945
Importance of setting
1. During the 60s in Ireland, Emigration was an intrinsic part of Irish life. Historically Irish people
emigrated especially to the States in search of employment and better living standards. This
affects our central character Gareth as he plans to emigrate to Philadelphia. In the 60s, it was an
accepted part of life to emigrate to a different country and not to ever return. The setting not
only shapes his future of America but also his values and beliefs due to his upbringing in rural
Donegal. He is brought up to be of catholic faith but also to fit the stereotypical Irish man that
represses all emotions and gives off a vibe of toxic masculinity. He is influenced by the catholic
faith who has huge control in his locality. His town holds no opportunities for him as a young
man and he wishes to not be a 25-year-old still living with his father.
2.
Values and Attitudes of Society
1. Values and attitudes of society have a negative impact on our central character Gareth. We see
this throughout the play as he continuously keeps his doubts and worries to himself. This is
ingrained deep into old Irish society as it was not accepted at the time for men to be vulnerable
about their feelings. Men were emotionally repressed and had a vital role of the bread winner
and protector. We see examples of this throughout the text especially in scenes containing
Gareth and his father. For instances, in episode one while Gar is talking to Madge, we learn that
his father has not said anything to him about him departing to Philadelphia ″ Say much? He’s
said nothing! ″ . Another core value found in our Irish society is routine. This can be seen with
Gareth’s father S.B O Donnell. S.B is and old-fashioned man who follows a daily routine to the
tee. Routine used to be a particularly important part of Irish life which came with the rural
lifestyle of farming, fishing and general running of the home. We learn that Gareth is sick and
tired of this tedious routine which ends up being one of his leading reasons as to why he wants
to go to Philadelphia. Gareth feels quite restricted due to the society in which he lives, he is
trapped to a certain social standing and roles as he is a young man from a lower middle-class
family. Social advancement is admired
Family Life
1. Family life plays an integral role in the lives of our central characters. “Philadelphia, Here I
Come” revolves around a traditional or nuclear family unit. However, Gareth’s relationship with
his father S. B. O’Donnell, seems strained and problematic. The primary/main problem between
Gar and his father is lack of communication, which perhaps characterized male relationships in
Ireland at that time. Like many of the characters, especially the male characters, Gar represses
his emotions and leaves thoughts and feelings unsaid. The use of the split persona device
effectively allows us to see exactly how much this affects Gar. Gar Private says out loud what
Gar Public is thinking about his father. Private allows the audience to see “the unseen man, the
man within” that isn’t presented to the other characters.
There are clues from the beginning that Gar has a strained relationship with his father. Focus on
Episode 1 pages 6,7,8 as a key moment and on pages 25-29 the nightly routine scene. For
example, in the nightly routine scene when Private makes fun of S.B., calling him "Screwballs",
or when he gives a fashion show commentary while S.B. goes through the same old routine after
work, right down to details like taking out his false teeth before eating. This shows that much of
what Gar Private thinks about S.B. is never said, emphasizing the tension in their relationship
and ultimately the tragedy of Gar and SB’s relationship as both have fond memories of each
other, however neither can articulate these memories to each other.
The first of Gar’s attempts to bridge the gap between himself and his father is made in this
scene, though in a slight and hesitant way. In this part of the speech, Gar’s boyhood affection for
this father is the centre of interest. Gar goes on to give the first of many descriptions in the play
of the fishing trip with S.B. He doesn’t, he admits, remembers every detail, ‘but some things are
as vivid as can be’. This occasion recalls to Gar’s mind the former sympathy between himself
and his father, which is described in highly emotive terms: ‘between us at that moment there
was this great happiness, this great joy – you must have felt it too – it was so much richer than a
content – it was a great, great happiness, and active, bubbling joy…’ (p. 80-90).
Following this magnificent speech, one of the most poetic in the play, Gar decides to force the
issued by asking S.B. if he remembers this fishing trip also. He adopts his usual nonchalant
tone as if the matter was one of indifference to him, when in fact, it’s his most precious
memory: ‘‘Whatever happened to that aul boat on Lough na Cloc Cor… an old blue thing – do
you remember it? (p.9). This hesitant attempt at communication is interrupted by the Canon’s
entrance.
Gender Roles
1. Traditional gender roles are the norm in the world/cultural context of “Philadelphia, Here I
Come.” Ballybeg is a patriarchal world, where women are second -class citizens. Their lives are
controlled by men. Katie Doogan’s life is a microcosm of women’s lives in 1960’s Ireland. Due to
the cultural context, Gar and Katie are forced to consider marriage very early on in their
relationship. This is clearly shown during the key moment in the flashback scene when we see
an interaction between Katie and Gar. We are brought back to when Katie and Gar are together,
and they discuss the problems with their relationship involving their differing social status and
financial situation. Gar is unrealistic in this scene as he dreams of their children together instead
of the reality of their living situation. We see Gar rush into the marriage “we'll have to get
married sooner- next month- next week.” The role of men is also very influential to the cultural
context of this text. S.B. O’Donnell is the head of the household, running his home with the help
of Madge and his business with the help of his son Gar. Episode 1; Teatime scene page 28. Gar
explains he treats him like a child: “I’m 25...permission.” This emphasizes S. B’s authoritative
role within the family business. In this scene, we see how S.B scolds Gar for shouting for Madge
although Gareth is not a child.
Religion
1. Religion plays a vital role in the cultural context of "Philadelphia, Here I Come.” The influence of
Catholicism can be seen in the evening rituals of the O’Donnell household. Key moment: Episode
3 Part 1. Page 72-82. Rosary and visit of Canon Mick O’Byrne. During this scene, Canon Mick
O’Byrne arrives to bid farewell as well as to gamble with S.B.

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Cultural Context: Comparative Study (70 marks)

 The world in which the text is set.

Three central characters & their texts

1. Gareth O Donnell (Philadelphia Here I Come by Brian Friel)

Where and when the texts are set

1. Set in Ballybeg, Donegal during the 1960s

Values and Attitudes of Society

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