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Thread: Theme - power of language and languages of power

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    Lightbulb Theme - power of language and languages of power

    especially in a political context, as seen in Brian Friels translations.
    I really would like any suggestions on drama (or novels) which deal with the power of language and words as a major theme in the action of the plot, simillar to translations.

    thank you............................ x

  2. #2
    Registered User billl's Avatar
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    Registered User kelby_lake's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by LifeLeisurely View Post
    especially in a political context, as seen in Brian Friels translations.
    I really would like any suggestions on drama (or novels) which deal with the power of language and words as a major theme in the action of the plot, simillar to translations.

    thank you............................ x
    Oleanna. Act 1 shows an exchange between a teacher and student- the student is asking about her grade. The audience see nothing unusual about it. Act 2, the student returns to the office- this time claiming sexual harrassment. She uses the words of Act 1 but places them in a different context.

    In the play, language is power. The teacher uses long-winded explanations and unnecessarily complex words in order to feel powerful; the student meticulously takes notes and quotes back words in order to have power.

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    As billl mentioned, you cannot go wrong with George Orwell, whether 1984 or Animal Farm, especially in a political context. Otherwise, I would also recommend some George Bernard Shaw, Albert Camus, Jonathan Safran Foer, and maybe William Golding, too.

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