In the beginning of the play, Hugh criticizes, labels and rejects the English language. Before starting the lesson, Hugh informs the class that he encountered Captain Lancey, an English soldier, earlier that day. He sarcastically tells the class that the soldier admitted that he did not speak Irish, Latin or Greek. The irony in Hugh's observation implies that the supposedly "smart" British soldier could only speak one language as opposed to the poor Irish peasants who could speak three languages. Hugh regards English as a language without expression used only for commerce. He concludes his story by telling the class that the English language could never express them (the Irish).

Maire argues with Hugh that they should all learn to speak English. She repeats what the Liberator, Daniel O'Connor says about the old languages obstructing the path to mo

Later on, Hugh finds out that he has not been chosen for the position at the new national school. Master Bartley Timlin, a bacon-curer from a Cork has been appointed instead of the local Irishman. Hugh laughs sarcastically: " Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! The Cork bacon-curer!" (pg. 85). Hugh is outraged that a bacon-curer was chosen over a scholar such as himself. The trade of bacon-curer implies that Timlin can speak English and that makes him easier to control. This part of the play demonstrates yet another step toward the Anglicization of Ireland.

A final example of Hugh's sense of superiority is seen when Yolland asks him if he is familiar with a famous English poet, named William Wordsworth. Hugh asks Yolland if Wordsworth had ever spoken of him. Hugh continues sarcastically by telling the soldier, "Woodsworth?...no. I'm afraid we're not familiar with your literature, Lieutenant. [...] We tend to overlook your island" (pg.50). This proves once again that Hugh believes that he is superior to the British.

Maire returns and asks Hugh to teach her to speak English. This time, he accepts, "I will provide you with the available words and available grammar. But will that help you to interpret privacies? I have no idea" (pg. 90). By saying this, he means that he can teach her the language but not the interpretation or meaning. Everyone struggles with interpretation because translations can be interpreted into many individual truths. When Hugh characterizes "always" as a

Some common words found in the essay are:
Anglicization Ireland, Yolland Irish, English Hugh, Translations Hugh's, Latin Greek, Daniel O'Connor, Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha Cork, Woodsworthno I'm, British Approximately, Lancey English, english language, speak english, position national school, hugh claims, position national, language language, national school, example hugh's, irish language, informs class, play hugh's,
Approximate Word count = 991
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)