It is obvious from the opening scenes that Bennett has created Hector as the play’s comic protagonist. To what extent do you agree with this view?
The language choice Bennett uses does create the image of Hector being the play’s comic protagonist however; on closer inspection it is evident that Bennett means to create deeper meaning. Bennett does this in several ways.
When we are first introduced to Hector’s character the boys remove Hector’s motor-cycle leathers. A particular feature to note at this stage is the fact that Bennett has chosen for the boys to speak in French whilst removing the aforementioned leathers. This adds to the element of the comic as it could be said the removal of clothing is ceremonial. This shows that the boys are used to the activity and that it is simply part of a daily routine. Notice, during this ‘ceremony’ each boy removes one item from the leather uniform. It is clear the boys see this ‘ceremony’ as merely harmless fun: they are happy to participate. However; it does make the reader question Hector’s motives. Also, it makes the reader question the relationship between Hector and the boys; as there appears to be a lack of boundaries.
Bennett does, however, create meaning with regards to the ‘ceremonial undressing’. The removal of clothing could be seen as a way off stripping off the surface of Hector. The audience question: is he the same person in leathers and when he is not in leathers? Is Hector the same person he is in school as he is outside of it or, a completely different person? ‘Le casque’ is a crucial element of this introduction as it has two meanings with regards to translation. The first being that of a standard helmet, the second: that of a knights helmet. This could be seen as symbolism.
‘A man of studied eccentricity. He wears a bow tie.’ Emphasis on the word ‘studied’ indicates that Hector is not a naturally eccentric character. He simply puts on a false persona. He has studied a character or person who is eccentric and merely perfected his act in the art of eccentricity. The bow tie could also been seen as symbolism. When linking bow ties with a subject most, if not, all people immediately think of a clown; which, describes a funny/fun character. This does suggest Hector is the comic protagonist. However, referring back to ‘le casque’ in the previous paragraph; whilst Hector does not have the painted face like a clown, to hide himself he does have the motor cycle helmet. The helmet could be Bennett’s way of showing the audience that Hector is hiding his true emotions.
Furthermore, it could be argued that Hector is the comic protagonist it just depends on an individuals’ definition/interpretation of comic protagonist. Is a comic protagonist a character which we and the other characters laugh at, or, is the comic protagonist a character which we and the characters laugh with? The impression given is that Hector tries to be funny but is, in actual fact, being mocked by the boys. This is shown when ‘bell goes. Hector sits up’ the boys begin to pretend to sympathise but are actually just being patronising. Hector is either unaware of being mocked or, decides not to take notice. Referring back to the idea of Hector being a clown, his character is very similar to that of a Zanni. This is because like the Zanni, Hector is a target of ridicule. Also, the modern conception of the clown maintains a degree of naivety. Hector does have an element of comic though as he displays slapstick/satire comedy. ‘Nancy trollop’.
The final thing to take into consideration is the contextual element of Hector. In Greek mythology, Hector is the son of Priam and elder brother to Paris. He is described as a courageous character that fights the fearless warrior Achilles. In the myth, Hector is butchered by Achilles who then disrespectfully drags his dead body behind a chariot. Hector is then regarded as the chief warrior and a favourite of the god Apollo. He is considered a contrast to his brother whom, is often regarded as cowardly, fickle and selfish. This contextual knowledge actually helps to some extent; reinforce the idea of Hector as a comic character. This is because you could consider Hector as a hero as he receives a ceremony when he arrives at school and is ceremoniously greeted by the boys. On the other hand, it could be argued that Hector is nothing like the contextual element as certain aspects of his character appear to be fickle and selfish. Hector shows he can be selfish when he says ‘congratulations’ to the boys. He doesn’t mean it, he’s not impressed. He mocks them by claiming they have gained ‘emblems of conformity’- indicating Hector is jealous of the boys’ achievements as he tried for Oxford but was rejected so had to attend Sheffield.
In conclusion, personally; I think it depends on your interpretation of a comic protagonist as to whether or not Hector is the play’s comic protagonist. You could argue that the use of verbal language and exaggerated stage directions add to Hectors’ comedic value. Or, that Bennett’s use of symbolism that creates deeper meaning actually reveals to the audience that Hector is, in fact, a very lonely, false character.