How Does Alan Bennett achieve both a sense of tragedy and humour in his 'Talking Heads' monologues?

... How Does Alan Bennett achieve both a sense of tragedy and humour in his 'Talking Heads' monologues? Alan Bennett uses a variety of techniques to convey a sense of both tragedy and humour in his 'Talking Heads' monologues. I will be looking specifically at 'Bed Among The Lentils' and 'Cream Cracker Under The Settee.' Alan Bennett achieves both of these effects by use of several clever choices regarding the casting as well as sound and visual effects. There are two very different types of humour in 'Bed Among The Lentils' and 'Cream Cracker Under The Settee'. BATL uses a lot of sarcastic, bitter humour whereas CCUTS uses some wry, discreet humour and at times Doris, the elderly woman in CCUTS, seems to be mocking herself "Love God and close all gates." "I ought to put a note on the gate. 'Not my leaves.' The second example gives the impression

want to read more? →