First Impressions of Bamforth
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The character of Private Bamforth was created by the author, Willis Hall to participate in the play, 'The Long, the Short and the Tall', set during the Japanese advance on Singapore in 1942. Bamforth is a conscripted soldier who has been called up from his hometown of London, and posted to Malaya following the Japanese attack on Pearl harbour. He doesn't want to be there and this becomes increasingly evident during the course of the play by his actions and general attitude.
The first clues to Bamforth's personality that the audience are given come at the very beginning of the play, when the characters enter the hut. He throws off his pack and lies down disregarding everyone else, including Mitchem, the Officer in charge. This event shows us Bamforth's negative feelings towards authority. When Corporal Johnstone confronts him about his behaviour, Bamforth shows him no respect, 'what's up?' He responds, and a few moments later under his breath calls Johnstone a 'nit'! Near the beginning we also learn more about Bamforth's personality by the way in which he treats Evans when sees his magazine, 'Ladies Companion and Home'. 'Flipping stroll on, stroll on,' he mocks, and then, 'I'm crying my eyes out'...