Translations

by

Brian Friel

A traditional Irish alcohol distilled from potatoes or grain. Hugh frequently remarks on the power of a local woman’s poteen, which Yolland becomes drunk on while working with Owen on the Name Book.

Poteen Quotes in Translations

The Translations quotes below are all either spoken by Poteen or refer to Poteen. For each quote, you can also see the other terms and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
All Translation Is Interpretation Theme Icon
).
Act 2, Scene 1 Quotes

Even if I did speak Irish I'd always be an outsider here, wouldn't I? I may learn the password but the language of the tribe will always elude me, won't it? The private core will always be ... hermetic, won't it?

Related Characters: Lieutenant Yolland (speaker), Owen
Page Number: 48
Explanation and Analysis:
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Translations PDF

Poteen Term Timeline in Translations

The timeline below shows where the term Poteen appears in Translations. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Act 2, Scene 1
Language, Culture, and Identity Theme Icon
...sits on the floor, appearing completely at ease in his new surroundings. A bottle of poteen is nearby. (full context)
All Translation Is Interpretation Theme Icon
Colonialism and Cultural Imperialism Theme Icon
...energy and alertness almost to the point of self-parody. He asks for a “drop” of poteen and greets Yolland in Latin.  Hugh then translates his words to English, remarking that they... (full context)
All Translation Is Interpretation Theme Icon
The Limits of Language Theme Icon
...and Yolland. A drunk Yolland joyously recites the Irish words he has learned and calls poteen “bloody marvelous.” At this cue, reel music swells and the stage goes to black. (full context)