Analysis of Top Girls by Laurianne - 1369 Words

Analyze Churchill’s use of diverse and contrasting characters to create dramatic effect in ‘Top Girls’. Compare and contrast the presentation of culture and society in ‘Top Girls’ and Atwood’s ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. Evaluate how successful the two writers are at using characters to present their themes. Churchill explores the different characteristics of Marlene from the first scene of Top Girls; we capture the diverse characters that vary the historical, fictional, allegorical aspects to artistically create a melodramatic effect. The opening scene gradually reveals Marlene’s repressions by examining herself through five avatars. The togetherness at a dining table could present women as a communal as they had dealt with similar trials†¦show more content†¦Most modern women would disapprove of this because a domestic society is still in tact to present day. â€Å"It was always the men who used to get drunk†, this could suggest that by women having alcohol, it goes against the rules; that the society may show a slight sense of freedom, where there is no boundaries. This could reflect on Marlene as she intentionally crossed the line by working in an office. Dull Gret is a courageous woman, which is a reflection of Marlene’s abilities of strength and forcefulness to thrive. Gret narrates her invasion of hell. â€Å"I hate the bastards†, the outspoken colloquial term ‘bastards’ was used by Gret to express her anger, possibly because of the loss of her child in which is also a case with Marlene. Grett is of one who is egotistic and unknowingly exasperated, suggesting that Marlene never puts up with unnecessary things nor put up with those that troubled her. It could also suggest that Marlene is a fearless character in the play because she’s very outspoken which is clear from her frequent interruptions. Her speechless expressions and actions create insecurity with the use of monosyllabic interjections. Her amusing, yet strong unfeminine choice of vocabulary could suggest Marlene is unaware of how feminine she could be or possibly a sacrifice in order to proclaim her liberation and independence. Marlene brin gs out her strength and bravery almost like a cover up where she is convincing herself that