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Analysis of Joe Corrie's "Hewers of Coal" as a Criticism to the Harsh Working Conditions and the Struggles Faced by the Working-class Community of Miners

Introduction:

"Hewers of Coal" 1937 is a powerful one-act play written by Joe Corrie, a Scottish dramatist and former miner. Set in the backdrop of the mining industry, Corrie sheds light on the harsh working conditions and the struggles faced by the working class during the early 20th century. This essay will explore the themes, characters, and dramatic elements present in "Hewers of Coal," highlighting its realistic portrayal of the miners' lives and the choices they are forced to make in the face of adversity.

Themes:

The play delves into several significant themes, exposing the social and economic challenges faced by the working-class community of miners:

Labour Conditions and Exploitation: "Hewers of Coal" portrays the exploitation of miners by the mine owners. Through the characters of Joe and Dick, Corrie highlights the meager wages, dangerous working conditions, and the constant struggle for survival that the miners endure.

Solidarity and Leadership: The play explores the dynamics of leadership and solidarity within the mining community. While Dick emerges as a true leader during the crisis, Joe and Peter collapse under pressure. Corrie underscores the importance of unity and resilience in the face of adversity.

Class Divide and Social Inequality: Corrie emphasizes the stark class divide and social inequality prevalent in society during the time. Billie, a fifteen-year-old boy, is forced to work to support his family due to his father's illness. This highlights the intergenerational cycle of poverty and the limited opportunities available to the working-class youth.

Storyline: 

"Hewers of Coal," written by Joe Corrie in 1937, tells the gripping storyline of a mining disaster. Four men and a boy become trapped at the coalface, exposing the harsh realities of their situation. The play powerfully portrays human nature, revealing both the best and worst of people under such challenging circumstances. Throughout the narrative, it emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding among co-workers and supervisors in dealing with their shared struggles.

Characters:

Corrie's characters are authentic representations of the miners, each embodying different aspects of their experiences:

Joe and Dick: As middle-aged miners, Joe and Dick symbolize the struggle and resilience of the working class. Their contrasting responses to the crisis highlight their individual character traits and their differing approaches to adversity.

Bob: The character of Bob, the gaffer or foreman, represents authority within the mining community. Corrie uses Bob to portray the complexity of power dynamics and the conflicting loyalties faced by those in leadership roles.

Peter: Peter, the handyman, serves as a foil to Dick's leadership qualities. His collapse under pressure showcases the psychological toll that the mining conditions have on individuals.

Dramatic Elements:

Corrie skillfully employs various dramatic elements to enhance the impact of the play:

Setting: The entire play takes place within the confines of the coal mine, emphasizing the oppressive and claustrophobic environment in which the characters live and work. The physical setting serves as a metaphor for the miners' entrapment within the socio-economic system.

Language and Dialect: Corrie's use of the Scottish dialect adds authenticity and local flavor to the play. It creates a strong sense of place and identity while also highlighting the cultural and linguistic diversity within the mining community.

Conflict and Tension: The collapse of the mine wall serves as the central conflict of the play, creating a sense of urgency and impending doom. The tension escalates as the characters face the prospect of suffocation, revealing their true nature and testing their relationships.

Conclusion:

"Hewers of Coal" by Joe Corrie is a poignant and realistic portrayal of the struggles faced by miners in early 20th-century Scotland. Through its themes of labour conditions, solidarity, and social inequality, the play sheds light on the hardships endured by the working class. Corrie's well-drawn characters and effective use of dramatic elements make "Hewers of Coal" a compelling piece of literature that continues to resonate with audiences, reminding us of the sacrifices made by those working in dangerous and exploitative industries.

Ardhendu De

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