PLAY-A chip in the sugar by Alan Bennett (1988)

A chip in the sugar- Alan Bennett (1988)

A chip in the sugar is about a gentle middle aged man called Graham. He lives with his mother as he struggles with mental health issues and is incredibly reliant on her. When his mother rekindles an old flame with an old lover, Graham hates this as he is afraid of change his mother would like to love again but is held back by him. 

In the monologue we find that Graham is repressed as he is homosexual and is unaccepted by his mothers new boyfriend, Mr Turnball who said "I don't believe in mental illness." He has very old and traditional values therefore Graham finds it very hard ti adjust to him. Graham and Mr Turnball also create conflict due to the difference in their political views, we learn that Graham is very left wing. This links to the context as this was a time when Margret Thatcher was in power who is very conservative, which gives Bennett an opportunity to express his views on the very conservative government. Mr Turnball is an example of the very right wing government and discriminatory views are constantly mentioned throughout. 

Sexual quotes

"'I know what magazines you read' i said 'chess' she said, 'they never are chess. Chess with no clothes on. Chess in their birthday suit. Chess men!" This is referring to homosexual pornography which contrasts with boring chess, his mother doesn't accept him being homosexual and her views are changed by Mr Turnball who is very against homosexuals. Grahams mother is teasing and provoking him to make a move.

Discrimination and isolation

"'...you've got it all wrong' I said 'How?' 'I can't remember but you have. Blaming it on the government. Frank says its the blacks" Here is an example of Frank (Mr Turnball) being very racist and Grahams mother thinking nothing of it, she is completely bewildered by him and believes 

anything he says. This is a very racist view that Frank has pushed on Grahams mother, Graham feels alone in his argument and views.

"'I understand mam' she said 'how can you understand? you, you're not normal"