Compare the Ways in Which Friel and Larkin Explore the Idea of Fantasy and Reality in Translations and a Study of Reading Habits/Sunny Prestatyn

Compare the Ways in Which Friel and Larkin Explore the Idea of Fantasy and Reality in Translations and a Study of Reading Habits/Sunny Prestatyn

  • Submitted By: vintendo
  • Date Submitted: 11/04/2013 8:20 AM
  • Category: English
  • Words: 3048
  • Page: 13
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Compare the ways in which Friel and Larkin explore the idea of fantasy and reality in:
Friel: Translations Page 38 Lines 25 – 40 and Page 64 Lines 15 - 80
Larkin: A Study of Reading Habits and Sunny Prestatyn

The boundaries between fantasy and reality are themes which have stirred the curiosity of many writers. The idea of escape through imagination is alluring and often comforting when reality seems too much. In his play Translations, Brian Friel uses a variety of dramatic techniques to explore the idea of fantasy as a means of escape from reality. In particular, he is able to use the interactions of characters with one another to demonstrate the difficulties that arise as a consequence of ignoring reality in favour of fantasy. Fantasy as a means of escape is also explored through the poetry of Philip Larkin. In ‘A Study of Reading Habits’ Larkin addresses the idea of fantasy and escape and the disappointment that can arise when fantasies no longer provide the same level of comfort and escape they once did. He utilises a variety of poetic techniques in order to demonstrate the frustration that arises when our fantasies begin to clash with reality. Philip Larkin also explores the idea of reality colliding with illusion in ‘Sunny Prestatyn’, in particular looking at how the fantasies and illusion portrayed in advertising often do not quite match up to the reality they represent. Through his choice of lexis, manner and metaphor amongst other poetic devices, he is able contrast these competing themes and highlights the disappointment and backlash that can arise as a result. Brian Friel also explores the difficulty in differentiating between fantasy and reality through the presentation of Yolland and in particular Jimmy and addresses the problems that arise when people are forced into resolving the two conflicting concepts.
The illusion presented within fantasy can often exert a powerful influence over individuals. Shaping their decisions and exerting a...

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