An Analysis of Brian Friel’s Presentation of the Relationship Between Madge and Garet. Joseph Collins 12th Grade

In his play Philadelphia, Here I Come!, Brian Friel utilizes the entirety of the storyline to develop and present the dramatic relationship between Madge Mulheren and Gareth O’Donnell. Quite quickly, Friel makes it evident to the audience that Madge acts as a substitute mother and mentor to Gareth, whose own mother died soon after he was born. Madge plays a unique role because she attends to the daily household tasks of the O’Donnell family, along with leading the family in devotional practices. Although she is a servant by definition, Madge is connected to the family on a deep level. The most crucial role that Friel entrusts to the character of Madge is to mitigate the broken bond between father and son.

The relationship between Madge and Gareth is first presented to the audience in the opening scene. Here, the audience is given insight to the unique level of intimacy that the two share. Regardless of the fact that Madge is essentially a servant to Gar, Madge is treated as a friend. As she prepares tea for Gar, the two share a dance, and Gar begins to tickle her as she “squeals for mercy.” This immediate boisterous play is very indicative of the level of comfort between the two. It is in this opening scene that the audience is...