These are the notes to accompany Brian Friel's "Translations". The story takes place in Co. Donegal in the late-19th century and most of the action rotates around the hedge-school, which is a centre for discussion, learning and various complex human relationships in the Irish-speaking community. York Notes are designed for GCSE and A Level students, but they also provide background information for first-year university students. The series covers major works from medieval to modern English literature, and classic and contemporary works from Europe, America, the Commonwealth and the Third World. Each book features a biography of the author; the literary and historical background to the work; a summary and glossary of the text; hints for study, to help students plan work and study effectively; a specimen essay; and suggestions for further reading.