Notes on "Bold Girls" by Rona Munro

Introduction to the Setting and Themes

• Furniture that's bald with age:
  • Introduces the theme of poverty in the play.
  • The word "bald" suggests worn-out, old furniture, reflecting the financial struggles of Babari, a widowed single mother.

Character Dynamics and Relationships

Michael's Presence and Absence

• "Sure he was hardly here when he was alive":
  • Cassie's remark about Michael, Marie's late husband.
  • Hints at Michael's neglectful nature and foreshadows his unfaithfulness.

Deirdre's Stream of Consciousness

• "The skies full of rain and the sound of the helicopter":
  • Highlights the setting in Belfast during the Northern Ireland conflict.
  • Reflects Deirdre's feelings of isolation and her desire to belong.

Arrival of Deirdre

• Thunderous knocking at the front door:
  • Marks Deirdre's entrance, a pivotal moment that propels the action.
  • Deirdre's arrival is metaphorically stormy, causing significant changes for the women.

Symbolism of the Knife

• "A wee bit of hard truth you could hold in your hand and point where you liked":
  • Deirdre's fantasy about a knife symbolizes truth.
  • The knife represents the potential harm of revealing harsh truths.

Themes of Self-Delusion and Reality

Marie's Delusion

• "Your daddy was a good man and a brave man...":
  • Marie's self-deception regarding Michael's character.
  • Irony in Marie's idealized view of a flawed husband.

Cassie's Relationship with Michael

• "The greasy grinning beer-bellied smell of him...":
  • Cassie's description evokes sympathy despite her flaws.
  • The alliteration and simile emphasize Joe's repulsiveness.

Impact of the Political Setting

Police Raid

• Hard white light floods everything...:
  • Stage directions depict a police raid, highlighting the harsh reality of the Troubles.
  • Familiarity with raids suggests the constant threat they lived under.

Nora's Modest Dreams

• "I've a man to see about 15 yards of pale peach polyester mix":
  • Nora's simple dream reflects her grounded nature.
  • Her dreams are depicted as more achievable.

Uncovering Truths and Consequences

Cassie's Confession

• "We were both lying to you for years":
  • Cassie reveals her affair with Michael, shattering Marie's delusion.
  • Marie's reaction underscores the emotional pain of truth.

Marie's Potential for Violence

• A heavy plate raised to smash down:
  • Marie's breakdown leading to potential violence.
  • Contrast between her usual demeanor and her reaction to betrayal.

Deirdre's Quest for Truth

• "I want the truth out of you":
  • Deirdre's relentless search for information about her father.
  • Marie's acknowledgment that she knew of Deirdre's identity.

Epiphany and Acceptance

Marie's Realization

• "They don't want to be raging and screaming...":
  • Marie's insight into the mutual struggles of men and women.
  • Recognizes the complex dynamics of gender and societal conflict.

Acceptance of Truth

• "Your daddy was a man like any other":
  • Marie's final acceptance of Michael's flaws.
  • Inviting Deirdre to stay symbolizes reconciliation and growth.

Conclusion

• The play ends with Marie's growth and an invitation to Deirdre, showing a shift towards acceptance and understanding.
• The themes of poverty, conflict, truth, and self-delusion are central to the narrative.

• Additional Resources: Overview of the play and previous exam questions are available for further study.