{"product_id":"the-hostage-by-brendan-behan-rare-books","title":"The Hostage by Brendan Behan [rare books]","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"119\" data-end=\"142\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"126\" data-end=\"142\"\u003eBook Summary\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"144\" data-end=\"376\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"13\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eThe Hostage\u003c\/em\u003e is a 1958 English-language play by Irish playwright Brendan Behan.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003eIt originated as \u003cem data-start=\"17\" data-end=\"27\"\u003eAn Giall\u003c\/em\u003e, an Irish-language play, and was later expanded and translated into English.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003eThe play is set in a Dublin lodging house that doubles as a brothel, owned by Monsewer, a former IRA commandant.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003eThe central plot revolves around the kidnapping of Leslie Williams, a young British soldier, by the IRA.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003eHe is held hostage in the lodging house as leverage for the release of an IRA member scheduled to be executed in Belfast.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"378\" data-end=\"616\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003eThroughout the play, the characters engage in discussions about Irish nationalism, colonialism, and identity.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003eThe narrative is interspersed with songs and dances, blending elements of comedy and tragedy.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003eThe play culminates in a tragic finale where Leslie is accidentally killed by Gardaí during a raid on the house.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003eIn a surreal twist, his corpse rises and sings \"The Bells of Hell Go Ting-a-ling-a-ling,\" highlighting the absurdity and futility of the situation.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"623\" data-end=\"665\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"630\" data-end=\"665\"\u003eAbout the Author: Brendan Behan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"667\" data-end=\"945\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrendan Behan \u003c\/strong\u003e(1923–1964) was an Irish poet, short story writer, and playwright.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003eBorn in Dublin, he became involved with the IRA at a young age and was imprisoned for his activities.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003eHis experiences in prison influenced much of his work.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003eBehan's writing is known for its wit, irreverence, and deep engagement with Irish politics and society.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003eHis best-known works include \u003cem data-start=\"29\" data-end=\"47\"\u003eThe Quare Fellow\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem data-start=\"52\" data-end=\"65\"\u003eBorstal Boy\u003c\/em\u003e, an autobiographical novel.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"13\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eThe Hostage\u003c\/em\u003e remains one of his most significant contributions to modern theatre.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Clapping Pages","offers":[{"title":"Used","offer_id":45253233770682,"sku":"343O1DS75-Used","price":89.0,"currency_code":"AED","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/5576\/0826\/files\/hooo.jpg?v=1771433302","url":"https:\/\/clappingpages.com\/products\/the-hostage-by-brendan-behan-rare-books","provider":"Clapping Pages","version":"1.0","type":"link"}