The Slab Boys (10 mark question) - Higher english

Alternative transcript:

this extract and elsewhere in the play, discuss how the theme of frustrated ambition is developed in the text 10 mks COMMONALITY ■ Identification of commonality (link) in this extract and at least one other part of the play = 2 marks COMMONALITY ■ Frustrated ambition is a key theme in the play which Byrne closely links to characters' social class. In this extract the theme is highlighted through the discovery of Phil's folio and his obvious talent in art. Phil's ambition lies out with the slab room in Art school. ■ In the play as a whole most of the characters reveal a desire to escape or to better their lot. For Hector and Spanky this means being promoted from the slab room to the position of designer at a desk. ■ Each of these characters ambition is to move on to better things. They are frustrated as they feel they are being held back by authority figures, meaningless time consuming processes or a class system which is preventing them from achieving their aspirations. (2marks) EXTRACT Another 2 marks can be picked up from dealing with an aspect of frustrated ambition in the printed extract and commenting on how it develops the theme of frustrated ambition. 2 marks EXTRACT In this extract, Alan remarks on the quality of Phil's art work: "Anyone can see they're rather good. He's wasting his time in here...' Alan's remarks suggest that Phil is a talented artist and his skills are not being used in the slab room. It suggests that being a slab boy is beneath someone as talented as Phil. If Alan can make an honest critique of artwork done by Phil -who has set himself out as an enemy to Alan - this shows he may have the potential to achieve his ambition but perhaps his attitude is holding him back. ELSEWHERE ■ 3 x P-E-E-L In the denouement of the play, Phil's frustrated ambition is again shown through his reaction to Alan's news that Phil did not get into Art School: "exceptionally high number of applicants this year... something like that... Phil: Christ..." For once, Phil is lost for words and is in shock that his dream of getting into art school wasn't realised. This shows how much getting into art school meant to him and his frustration that he has not been accepted. However, Phil's final comment 'Giotto was a slab boy!" seems to suggest that he will overcome the obstacles, and his ambition remains intact. ELSEWHERE Spanky's ambitions are also frustrated in the play. Spanky dreams of leaving the slab room but his ambition is smaller than Phil's as he hopes to make his way into the design room one day. At the end of the play, however, he is still in the same position and has been told that if he works hard he might get a desk in 18 months. Wait till I get my desk...just wait!" This suggests that he seems willing to bide his time until his opportunity arrives. At the end he carries on grinding, accepting his role but still waiting and hoping for his situation to change. ELSEWHERE Hector's ambition to take Lucille to the staff dance are also frustrated. When Hector buys 2 tickets it is clear he believes he will be successful in securing a date. Lucille's reaction to Phil's suggestion that she go to the dance with Hector, however, 'I've seen better hanging from a Christmas tree! Hector! Don't make me laugh!' suggests he is not taken seriously by women and instead is seen as a bit of a joke. Sadie too has ambition but hers is closer to home. Sadie describes her useless husband to Lucille and while life has been hard for Sadie, she still has her dreams - even if they are just dreams of escaping her marriage: 'Soon as I've a good wee bankbook I'm showing that swine the door.' She is disillusioned about love and romance and so works away with very little to show for it. The fact that she continues to dream in the face of such adversity makes her ambition admirable.