Live Like Pigs: language

Live Like Pigs: language

Section: Everyday Language

• John Arden’s “Live Like Pigs” employs everyday language, making the characters relatable and the dialogue realistic.
• The Carter family, in particular, speak with a regional dialect, signifying their socio-cultural background and solidifying their distinct identity.
• The language is often coarse and rough, reflecting the tough living conditions and harsh realities the characters face.

Section: Symbolic Language

• Symbolism is a key feature of the language used in the play. For example, the tattered caravan symbolises the marginalisation and poor living circumstances of the Carters.
• The banal conversations among characters often hide deeper societal critique and shed light on prevailing socio-economic conditions.

Section: Language and Power

• The language used often depicts power dynamics, for instance, the council members use formal, bureaucratic language to imply their superior social status and control.
• In contrast, the Carter family, Travellers, and other less privileged characters utilise colloquial and sometimes rebellious language, showcasing their defiance and resistance.

Section: Language and Characterisation

• Language plays a significant role in characterisation. Each character’s distinct linguistic style hints at their personality and mindset.
• For instance, Mickey’s rebellious expressions highlight his antagonism, while Art uses more careful language to negotiate with the council, reflecting his well-meaning and pacifist nature.

Section: Dramatic Language

• The language in “Live Like Pigs” is also effectively employed to create dramatic tension and situations.
• Dramatic irony is often used, where the audience know more than the characters, adding a layer of suspense and intrigue to the plot.
• The climax of the play, involving violent confrontations, uses heightened language, to amplify the intensity of the situation.