OCR AS Level English Literature Digital Resource 7 - Fatherhood

Learner Resource 7

Fatherhood

In That Face, neoliberalism and privatisation are represented by individualistic and self- serving behaviour of many of the characters. Martha’s ex-husband Hugh has chosen financial enrichment and profit over his family, leaving Mia and Henry to contend with their psychologically damaging mother. This selfishness chimes with our financially oriented society and when Hugh finally does return in order to ‘tidy’ up ‘family number one’, his language reflects that of a business transaction more than a familial exchange.

Look closely at this extract from the play scene 7, page 71 (Faber Edition) and then answer the questions below.

Look closely at the following extract from scene three, page 36 Faber Edition and then answer the questions below.

Hugh: I’m a broker. You know that. Mia: You broker deals and things? Hugh: Yes. Deals and things. Mia: So you have skills? Hugh: I suppose so. Listen, this isn’t what this is about. We can talk about my work another time. Let’s get back on topic. Mia: Back on topic? (snorts.) OK. Broker a deal tomorrow. I don’t know - bribe her or something. You don’t need my help. You don't need preparation. You’re great at your job. You love it. Hugh: Mia, if you don’t explain the situation I won’t be able to solve it. Mia: It’s not sudoku, Dad

1. What does Hugh’s language suggest about his way of thinking?

2. What do you think Mia’s snort suggests?

Version 1 1 © OCR 2017 That Face Suggested responses Hugh’s style of thinking seems to have been completely absorbed by the world of brokering. Mia’s snort indicates she is fully aware that his attitude towards the stock market has become synonymous with his attitude towards his family. Resorting to a formal and business-like etiquette in order to communicate with his children reflects a coldness associated with money and self-gain. Later when Mia suggests she wants to take up smoking, he curtly replies ‘absolutely not’ without delving any deeper into reasons why she may be feeling unhappy or rebellious. When accused, he fails to deny that he is only intervening in order to save his reputation.

Look at this extract from Scene 8, page 88 and then answer the questions below.

Mia: When you stopped hearing from us. When you stopped getting Henry’s school reports. Why didn’t you call? Why didn’t you check? Hugh: I thought you were OK. Mia: You wanted to think we were OK. Martha: He didn’t give a shit. Hugh: Why would I be here if I didn’t? Mia: So you don’t have your good name sullied because your daughter was taken into care. Beat. That’s the real reason isn’t it? Hugh: Mia - Mia: Isn’t it? [. . . ] Mia: You could have stopped all this. But you left. And she was sick when you left. But you let us anyway.

3. What do you feel the writer is suggesting about Hugh’s approach to his responsibility as a father here?

4. How can it be linked to contextual factors?

5. How does the staging, for example the pause ‘Beat’ add to the dramatic impact of this moment?

Version 1 2 © OCR 2017 That Face Suggested responses Hugh’s approach to his fatherly duties is indicative of the neoliberal theory that if state intervention is removed, capital can flow freely on the free market. The deregulation of the banks by New Labour in the 1990s, giving them greater freedom to be more reckless, could be reflected in his deregulated approach to parenting.

Much like the neoliberal dream, which came crashing down in 2007-08 during the global financial crisis, this business-like approach to parenting is neglectful of Mia, Henry and Martha’s needs, and ultimately harmful. This speaks of a callousness that reflects the economic climate of the time where market-driven neoliberalism became accepted as the norm. This moment is given dramatic impact because Mia the cynical hard bitten daughter reveals how betrayed she feels by her father’s behaviour. The long pause reinforces the way Hugh has no answer to her accusations.

Further points to think about In That Face, Hugh’s lifestyle represents the shifting nature of the global economy. As a stockbroker, he is able to travel between major financial hubs, such as London and Hong Kong, his wealth reflected in his ownership of multiple properties.

Hugh: I have flown halfway across the world to help you sort out this . . . Do you think this is my idea of a splendid morning?

Characters like Hugh represent a new financial elite, able to travel easily and work in a variety of countries. His flat in Canary Wharf and house in Hong Kong not only indicates the level of profit from such endeavours, but also represents the globalised nature of our world in which flying home ‘halfway across the globe’ in order to attend a meeting with Mia’s school is possible.

Although Thatcher had been responsible for the privatisation of many British companies, including British Airways, British Telecom and British Gas, it was New Labour that introduced university fees and deregulated the banks, with the Bank of England being made independent in 1997. This radical shake up in its 300-year history meant it no longer controlled UK banks, leading to decreased accountability and increased instability, both of which would have severe consequences later on.

The global financial crisis hit in 2007-08 and, although triggered by subprime mortgages in the USA, some argue the UK would not have been so gravely affected had the banking sector been more regulated. In response, the British government provided an emergency rescue package totalling some £500 billion which, along with nationalisation of banks such as Northern Rock, lead to a mistrust in the government and an increased awareness that there seemed to be two sets of rules, one for the elite and one for everybody else.

Version 1 3 © OCR 2017 That Face Further activities Hugh’s behaviour is representative of the self-serving nature neoliberal privatisation. In what ways are the other characters in the play similarly callous and self-serving? Can you think of examples where someone has traded upon another character’s well- being in order to gain something for themselves?

Essay Topic: “Ultimately the play is very cynical about human behaviour. All Stenham’s characters are callous and selfish and yet there is a touching vulnerability in all of them, even Hugh.”

How far and in what ways do you agree with this view?

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