The Wireless Set: Character: Lord Haw-Haw

Overview:

Lord Haw-Haw is a fictional representation in the story “The Wireless Set”. His presence and voice on the wireless set play a vital role in setting the atmosphere of the story.

Character Analysis:

Lord Haw-Haw:

Lord Haw-Haw is a radio persona rather than a human character, representing the voice of the enemy during the World War II.
Acting as a symbolic character, his broadcasts bring news of the wider world into the isolated community and home of Howie.
He creates unease with his ominous broadcasts, thus, even though he is physically absent, he has a significant impact on the narrative.
He signifies the outside world’s intrusion into the domestic life of the island.

Themes:

Fear and Anxiety:

Lord Haw-Haw’s broadcasts create an atmosphere of fear and anxiety, reflecting the fear of war and its potential to disrupt life.
The community’s reaction to his broadcasts manifest the community’s collective anxiety towards the outside world.

Disruption and Influence:

Through the character of Lord Haw-Haw, Mackay Brown introduces the notion of disruption - his broadcasts interrupt the simplicity of island life, introducing global politics into the remote community.
He signifies the influence of external world on the secluded island community

Invasion:

Lord Haw-Haw is synonymous with a psychological invasion through the airwaves. He is the unwanted intervention into their isolation, voicing a threat far away yet insidiously close.

Techniques and Effects:

Mackay Brown uses Lord Haw-Haw as a narrative tool to bridge the gap between the isolated island and the turmoil of the wider world.
The introduction of Lord Haw-Haw’s broadcasts creates a sharp juxtaposition between the quiet island life and the distressing news of war.

Quotes and Analysis:

“The alien, suave, confident, chilling voice.” - This quote perfectly captures the penetrating and distressing impact of Lord Haw-Haw on the island community.

Keep in mind these points when crafting your essays, as understanding the symbolism and the thematic significance of Lord Haw-Haw is essential to a deep analysis of the text.