Essay Questions

What compelled Andrew Bovell to write the play ‘Speaking in Tongues’?

Bovell wants to discuss relationships' realities and educate people on what to expect once they get into relationships. In the entire play, Bovell focuses on eight characters engaged in different relationships characterized by unfaithfulness. Bovell reveals the dark side of marriage and relationships because the characters are involved in extramarital affairs. According to Bovell, it is rare to find a faithful couple in society. However, this does mean that relationships and marriage are wrong; because those founded on real love triumph.

What is the leading cause of infidelity in marriages?

Bovell clearly outlines that the leading causes of infidelity in marriages are treachery and revenge. For instance, the main reason why Sonja wants to cheat is for revenge because her husband is cheating on her with Jane. Sonja feels that she is betrayed by her husband, who is not faithful, and she wants to have an affair with John as a way of revenge. Consequently, sexual immorality is fueled by betrayal and revenge.

What does Pete mean when he says, “I just want more. I want to feel something?”

The entire first act of the play focuses on unfaithfulness in marriages. Most of the play's characters are engaging in extramarital affairs, and they are looking for reasons to justify their actions. For instance, Pete is saying this statement to justify his decision to cheat on his wife and have a sexual affair with another woman. Pete implies that he is not getting enough satisfaction from his wife, and he is ready to get from a different woman. According to Pete, Jane does not satisfy him, and he wants to sleep with Sonja to fulfill his sexual desires.