Baker’s Daughter, The

Synopsis: Radio programme investigating the legends and beliefs that might have informed Ophelia’s enigmatic remark in Act IV ("They say the owl was a baker’s daughter"). Presented by Terence Tiller, the significance of this is discussed in the Senior Common Room of a university college between scholars from various disciplines. According to Radio Times, one of the scholars is heard to make the following remark: "What an extraordinary way for such a vast series of myths to end up - in the mouth of a mad girl in a play by a man who didn’t know what they meant" ('Ophelia Sets A Puzzle’, 21 April 1950, p. 11).
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Medium: Radio
Transmission details: 25 Apr 1950 at 21:55 (Channel: BBC Third Programme)
Duration: 65 mins

General: According to Radio Times, the customary explanation given for the meaning of Ophelia’s mysterious remark is a reference to an old Gloucestershire legend. Tiller, on the other hand, traces its sources back through the classics into mythology and anthropology ('Ophelia Sets A Puzzle’, 21 April 1950, p. 11).

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