THE FUR COAT The fur coat Different meanings

THE FUR COAT

The fur coat Different meanings • Being fashionable; • Convenience; • Showing off; • Extravagant; • Vulgar; • Practical benefits – warmth …. Sean O’Faolain

The fur coat Sean O’Faolain Setting: Dublin in the 1960 s. The Irish War of Independence against Britain. Paddy Maguire is member of new government – wife Molly. Grew up with sacrifices and hardships. There is a little bit of tension as Molly states that she wants a fur coat and yet points out that fur coats are very expensive. She wants this fur coat as compensation for all her work.

Characters 1. Paddy Maguire – newly appointed in government. Not really comfortable with extravagant spending. Does not understand the reasoning of his wife. Sensitive and likes people. 2. Molly – outspoken – still beautiful. Inner conflict. Conflict – to spend money on herself. Wants the coat and has the money BUT – not willing to be extravagant. Would not seem right.

Summary – main points Molly announces that she MUST have a coat. Paddy jokingly says – get two. Cannot agree whether to buy coat or not. He sees things in practical terms – plain decision. She sees the emotional impact – wants him to convince her to get coat. Argument – calls him ‘mean’ …. She apologises – he gives cheque. BUT she cannot bring herself to spend so extravagantly. Ironically she cannot convince herself to ‘must get a coat’.

Plot development 1. Opening – Paddy gets promotion. Molly says she ‘must have a coat’. 2. Problem – Molly is defensive about her reasons. Paddy is practical only. He does not understand why the coat is such an issue. 3. Climax – Molly accuses Paddy of being ‘mean’. He is upset. 4. Resolution – Molly apologises but is still unable to buy the coat. She dies not ‘have the heart’ to do it and destroys the cheque. Feels that she would be disappointing and failing the people.

Themes • Keeping up with the Joneses. • Resentment of having to sacrifice so much. • Example set by elected officials. Would it be right for officials to parade in extravagance – at the cost of ordinary people? Tone is light-hearted. Show affection – typical relationship. The issue is a serious one.

Humour in the story: Paddy changes his mind about the pier – show his concern regarding spending. Numerous figurative expressions: diamond-bright eyes / sacks of turf …. Symbolism – the fur coat symbolises luxuries that politicians can obtain. Molly’s final choice show her discomfort with showing off new status.

Main conflict between Molly and Paddy Also inner conflict in Molly. Coat symbolizes desiring what one does not really need. Symbolizes status / importance / rank / class / …

Themes Desire Love / affection Manipulation Conflict in relationships; Aspiration; Hardship and suffering

Need to know • Title: Central issue – should Molly get a fur coat? • Setting: Dublin, Ireland, in the 1960 s • Characterization: • Molly – has a hard life rearing the children; outspoken; conflict within herself – whether she should treat herself to an expensive fur coat or not; apologises for saying Paddy is mean. • Paddy – recently promoted – Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Roads and Railways; loves Molly – prepared to purchase the fur coat; practical – not comfortable with expensive luxuries – careful with money; has a sensitive nature. • Climax: Molly accuses Paddy of “meanness”.