Analyse the Presentation of the Mundy Sisters in Act One of Dancing at Lughnasa. What Different Methods Does Friel Use to Convey Both Their Individuality and Their Roles in the Family

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Analyse the presentation of the Mundy sisters in Act One of Dancing at Lughnasa. What different methods does Friel use to convey both their individuality and their roles in the family Friels presentation of the Mundy sisters in Act one is conveyed through different methods such as stage directions, costume and their speech. As early has Friel introduces the characters it is made apparent that they all fit into a hierarchy within the family which is conveyed through the interactions of the sisters. Kate at the top of hierarchy is portrayed as the authority and mother figure, Friel shows this by crafting Kate’s language to include many imperatives ‘We’re going nowhere!’ ‘there’ll be no more discussion about it.’ She has strong Christian beliefs which somewhat limit the sisters from reaching any full potential. Kate’s disapproval and hesitancy towards the Lughnasa festival illustrates the role of religion in the society they live in, she uses the noun ‘fever’ to describe the town’s reaction to the dance, the noun has negative connotations which authenticates her judgement. Kate’s paranoia of how the society observes the household is in fact one of her downfalls, as it often causes unnecessary tension within the household. For instance Kate’s reluctance to the idea of attending the Lughnasa festival despite the fact it brought enlightenment and joy to the family, ‘do you know the whole country side will be laughing at us? Mature women’ conveys a strong sense of Catholic tradition and the fear of upholding a good reputation for the family represents the harsh, hypocritical view of the society in their time. Kate also acts as a messenger to the outside world as she is the only sister who earns and supports the family, the sisters immediately ambush her for news of the outside world ‘what sort of prank’ ‘what are they saying in town’ the sisters reactions exemplifies

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