GCSE: English Literature: Drama: By Author: Brian Friel Coursework

"It's a good starting point, this essay. Although there's no definite title, it's implied that you're doing a character study of Sarah and Jimmy of sorts, and this is what I'll be reviewing this essay as. Generally, what you have there is sound - I like that you picked up on the symbolism of Sarah's green dress, and the copious level of symbolism in the play overall. However, the points you have made would do well to be expanded upon slightly - you mention that Sarah's speech is indicative of the conquering of Ireland overall; go the extra mile and explain why. Also, I would like to see something about the significance of language in this essay. The play is called 'translations', language is an integral part of it - talk about the significance of Jimmy's quote, and the fact he only speaks one word of English. In fact, you could even go so far as to say that Jimmy's actions, not his speech, is what is being mistranslated by the English surveyors. Also, there's a paragraph near the end of Sarah's study where you suddenly launch into a quote from Hugh, and it's not continuous with the rest of the paragraph - looks like a small lapse of concentration, so that needs sorting. Overall, a good start. TSR User: chidona"