Belfast: Representations

Question 1

How is age represented in Belfast?

Answer 1

-Not a barrier to relationships shown through the closeness of Buddy and Pop, same with his grandmother. However, male relationships are more prominent and gender creates a layer of age representation
-Links to grief and shows the pains of old age/death on the family
-Getting old seen as hard- moving away from home and going on a journey approached with a sense of fear
-Focus on childhood nostalgia and seeing life through that of a child’s eyes

Question 2

How is gender represented in Belfast?

Answer 2

-Stereotypical due to mother’s main role within the family to be maternal while the father is absent
-Mother seen as head of the household and Pa says she raised the boys, not him
-Ma and grandmother bond whereas Pa and Pop bond- family divided due to gender

Question 3

How is social class represented in Belfast?

Answer 3

-Lack of money leads to family dysfunction, arguments and distance between the parents, affecting familial roles and Buddy’s upbringing
-Leads to the need to escape and go to England- acts as a catalyst of change

Question 4

How is religion presented in Belfast?

Answer 4

-Clanton represents rage and fury associated with the opposing religion, showing the hatred during the time of the Troubles
-Pa says religion doesn’t matter in love- audience based around a family with unbiased and neutral views