A great help, albeit a little complicated!
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The York Notes Advanced series are, by far, the best supplement to studying pieces of English Literature. I am currently studying A-level English Lit. and have used them for each novel, play or selection of poetry I have studied. The York Notes are to the point, full of insight and provide a wide range of criticism and clear understanding. They address key themes, characterisation, historical background and context and offer definitions of key terms. Like all in the series, the edition for Translations is extremely helpful. It analyses each of the three Acts and provides criticism on themes, dramaic techniques, language and characterisation and offers information on historical and literary background. It is all very useful, but unlike most in the series, the information is so dense that it can often confuse and complicate the reader. The York Notes Advanced for Translations is worth buying if you are studying, or simply analytically-interested in, the play but simply be careful when using it and don't expect the answers to be provided on a plate.
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my review highlights the weaknesses and strengths
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As an indroduction to this play this guide serves as a useful source. John Brannigan uses his knowledge as a lecturer in Irish studies to its fullest potential, however it is very unlikely that whilst his information acts as a good background it will never really be of any value to the A-level student. He offers an excellent summery but never really gets in deeply enough to many levels of Friel's masterpiece.
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useful for the AS/A-Level Student...
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It does seem quite challenging at first because of the small, continuous writing, but it contains a lot of useful notes on Brian Friel's "Translations", and has many sections in it which helps the reader through the play. It explains words that are in Gaelic, Greek or Latin, and expands on the mythology in the play. It tells you what each person in the play represents, and expands on the major issues on the play, such as English stereotypes, Translations, Failure of communication, Ireland, and has a section on Dramatic Techniques. The only book around with notes on "Translations". Don't misjudge it because of its appearance. A big help for anyone studying "Translations" GCSE/AS/A-Level.
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