Full Title: To what extent do you agree with the comment that Hugh O’Donnell’s role is just to provide comic relief?

It could be argued that although O’Donnell seems to play the major part of comic relief in the first Act of the play, he also presents some more serious themes to us. It would be naive to assume that comedy was Friel’s only intention regarding the presentation of O’Donnell, as he helps Friel to achieve his purpose in demythologising Hugh O’Neill, providing a great contrast.

One comic device in the first scene is the constant interruptions O’Donnell makes, whilst Lombard is attempting to conduct serious matters of business. These interruptions are made even more amusing because of their total lack of relevance to the matter at hand, “… the floor in the hall out there is going to cave in with dry rot.” Further examples of this distracted ignorance lie in the way he interrupts discussions about world affairs with news and conspiracy theories about his personal Irish enemies, “… the shit O’Doherty.” Whilst providing comic relief, this also reflects a much more serious theme in “Making History.” O’Donnell’s inward looking self-concern replicates the “Irish savagery” which separates Ireland from Europe. O’Donnell embodies this selfishness and provides a stark contrast against O’Neill and Lombard.

Another example of this ironic humour occurs after Lombard’s reading of the Spanish standing, saying the Irish are “Constantly at war … occasionally with the English … but always, always among themselves.” This sums up the part O’Donnell plays and he responds with the outburst “… I haven’t an enemy in the world!” This ironic statement is self-contradictory considering the barrage of threats he had made against O’Doherty. Therefore, whilst the first scene is very humorous for the audience, the comedy carries serious undertones of major themes.

A further use O’Donnell provides in this opening scene is to help set the historical context of the play. However, this too is done in a humorous way, incorporating into his ramblings about dry rot. “She got oak off those Armada wrecks lying about…” This provides the audience with a better basic understanding of when the play is set and during what circumstances.

The last scene O’Donnell is present in is during O’Neill’s exile in the Sperrin mountains. Here, he provides little or no comic relief to the dire situation the Irish leaders are in. Indeed he actually provides O’Neill with information about the well-being of the Irish people. Far from comedy, O’Donnell describes the squalid conditions they endure, acting as a link between O’Neill and his subjects. O’Donnell also acts as messenger for all the occurrences that O’Neill has not been able to keep track of, such as the politics of the country. O’Donnell provides O’Neill with a list of names of the Irish chieftens who have submitted to the English, “Names… where do you begin?” This mature and knowledgeable presentation is almost in direct contrast with the energetic O’Donnell of the first act. Friel has used this to show the decline of the Irish chieftens, not just O’Neill. It also shows that the defeat at Kinsale and recent events have matured O’Donnell and he is able to recognise and describe his own faults.

The proud O’Donnell of Act 1 would never have contemplated resigning his position to his brother and admitting “… I have a fault or two… blood gets up too easy… useless at dealing with civil servants…” This is also used to amplify the skills that O’Neill has, showing more of a contrast between the two leaders. However, even after this depressing realisation, O’Donnell retains his optimism and sense of humour, “Jesus, that stuff would physic an elephant!” So our last impression of O’Donnell is this optimism.

In conclusion, O’Donnell’s comic relief is essential to the play for many reasons. Friel has used it not only to keep the audience interested and amused whilst the scene is set for his exploration of history, but also to present many other themes. O’Donnell presents the Irish selfishness and lack of world vision in the first Act, as well as providing a contrast with O’Neill. Thus, although O’Donnell’s comedy is an essential part of “Making History” it is by no means his only role.

_{Mark achieved: 18/20}

_{Teacher comments: Well done – very solid. More on O’D as typical Irishman through use of language – unrefined in contrast with O’N ergo highlights O’N's duality further. Link with History theme “dove in meekness.”}

_{My response: Best mark yet?}

_{References: “Making History” by Brian Friel.}