The Hostage: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Hostage: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the complex dynamics between the characters in a politically charged setting during the Irish conflict. The narrative centers around Patrick, a disillusioned former IRA hero who now manages a lodging house doubling as a brothel. His character is marked by a blend of cynical detachment and a lingering loyalty to Monsewer, a comically senile former commander. The hostage, Leslie A. Williams, juxtaposes Patrick’s experience; as a young British soldier, he is innocent of the political turmoil surrounding him and faces dire consequences due to the conflict. Teresa, a young Catholic woman working in the boarding house, represents a bridge of understanding between Leslie and herself, highlighting the shared humanity overshadowed by sectarian divisions. Meg Dillon, the pragmatic consort of Patrick, brings a grounded perspective amidst the chaos, while Miss Gilchrist and the IRA Officer embody contrasting approaches to morality and patriotism. Together, these characters illustrate the personal struggles and broader societal issues arising from a conflict steeped in history and ideology.
The Hostage: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Brendan Behan
First published: 1958
Genre: Play
Locale: Dublin, Ireland
Plot: Protest
Time: 1960
Patrick, a hero for the Irish Republican Army (IRA) in the 1920's, now the caretaker of a lodging house that is a thinly disguised brothel. Pat has a tendency to exaggerate his service during the 1920's, during which he lost a leg and was imprisoned by the British. Scornful of the current IRA (and most aspects of contemporary life), he uses his leg as an excuse for drinking as much and doing as little work as possible. He retains, however, a genuine affection and respect for Monsewer, who was his leader in the earlier independence movement. His cynical detachment lets him recognize and regret the danger the hostage is in without compelling him to do much to avert that danger. He believes in enjoying whatever pleasures are available, as a way of merely getting through life.
Leslie A. Williams, a nineteen-year-old private in the British army, stationed in Armagh, Northern Ireland. He is the hostage of the title. Too young to vote, innocent of politics and history, and an orphan who does not even have a girlfriend, he is coming out of a pub when the IRA “captures” him, imprisons him in Pat's boardinghouse, and threatens to kill him if the British execute a convicted IRA terrorist they are holding.
Teresa, a country girl serving as skivvy in Pat's boardinghouse. Also nineteen years old, innocent of politics and history, and an orphan, she instinctively realizes that although she is Catholic and Leslie is Protestant, they have more in common with each other than either has with anyone else. The love with which they attempt to bridge the gap between factions is doomed by the selfishness and false pride of partisans on both sides of the issues.
Meg Dillon, Pat's consort, the real managing power behind the boardinghouse. Foul-mouthed and irreverent, she makes few moral judgments as long as the boarders pay the rent.
Monsewer (Monseigneur), the owner of the house and Pat's former IRA commander. British by birth, he adopted his Irish mother's nationality, learned Gaelic at university, and fought for Irish independence. Now comically senile, he is unaware of the real nature of the boardinghouse and imagines that it is a safe house for current IRA fugitives, whom he does not distinguish from freedom fighters of the 1920's.
Miss Gilchrist, a social worker full of pious platitudes. She has a tendency to confuse physical attraction with desire to save men's souls.
IRA Officer, a schoolteacher who serves part-time in the IRA. He is a fanatical patriot full of ridiculous posturing who takes himself and the movement very seriously.