In his play Philadelphia, Here I Come!, Brian Friel uses the entire script to develop and present the dramatic relationship between Madge Mulheren and Gareth O. 'Donnel. Soon enough, Friel makes it clear to the audience that Madge is acting as a surrogate mother and mentor to Gareth, whose own mother died shortly after his birth. Madge plays a unique role as she takes care of the O'Donnell family's daily household chores, while also leading the family in devotional practices. Although she is a servant by definition, Madge is deeply connected to family. The most crucial role that Friel gives to the character of Madge is to soften the broken bond between father and son. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay The relationship between Madge and Gareth is first introduced to the audience in the opening scene. Here, the audience gets a glimpse of the unique level of intimacy the two share. Regardless of Madge being essentially a servant to Gar, Madge is treated as a friend. As she prepares tea for Gar, the two share a dance, and Gar begins to tickle her as she "screams for mercy". This immediate loud play is very telling of the comfort level between the two. It is in this opening scene that the audience discovers that Madge also plays a maternal figure to Gar. Madge senses that Gar is upset when he talks about his father. Immediately, Madge begins to comfort Gar, telling him that SB "is indeed losing a treasure!" Brian Friel further develops this maternal characterization of Madge when she continues to console Gar by informing him that even though SB "doesn't talk much," that "doesn't mean he [SB] doesn't have feelings like the rest of us. » Here, Madge suggests that both she and SB care deeply about Gar. Because of the dialogue the two share, the audience understands that from Gar's perspective, Madge is the figure in whom Gar seeks comfort. Gar shares his feelings about his father with Madge. Interestingly, this is one of the few instances in the play where Gar is seen sharing his emotions out loud as an "audience". As Gar discusses his grievances against his father with Madge, he begins to speak in a rather vulgar and private manner, calling his father "nuts". This is a pattern of insults that occurs throughout the play and is not limited to his father alone. In fact, Gar even calls his supposed friends "bloody ignorant thugs." Madge, however, is the only character in the play toward whom Gar does not express any negative thoughts, furthermore, he refrains from calling her negative names. As Gar continues to express his resentment towards his father in this scene, he begins to take out his frustration on Madge. This is shown as he begins to speak in a more violent manner "I'm damned if I have to talk to him first." Although Gar begins to speak in a more dramatic and violent manner, Madge simply remains calm and continues making the tea. Another way in which Madge expresses her care for Gar early in the play is when she instructs him a multitude of times to ensure that his "shirts are well ventilated" before wearing them. Madge reiterates versions of this line three times Through this simple line, Friel demonstrates that Madge has a tendency to go above and beyond the call of duty. Washing Gar's clothes is part of her job, but taking care of Gar's scent. the immense level of care that Madge possesses for Gar Another way in which Brian Friel dramatically presents the relationship between Madge and Gareth is Gar's dependence on Madge..