Analysis: Mickey & Edward as Seven-year-olds 2

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Analysis: Mickey, Linda and Edward Are Caught

This scene highlights how figures of authority treat members of society differently. Mrs. Johnstone is treated harshly for Mickey's behaviour whereas the Lyons' are encouraged to stop Edward mixing with the wrong crowd.

Symbolism

The strong bond between the three children is evident during this scene, and the toy gun is again acting as a symbol of both childish innocence and future violence.

The policeman and Mrs. Johnstone

The policeman’s abruptness with Mrs. Johnstone shows that he has clearly had many dealings with the family before, and Mrs. Johnstone’s longing for a fresh start serves as a reminder of how she can’t seem to break away from her past troubles and regrets.

The policeman and the Lyons'

This scene highlights the injustice of society. Although Edward is the one who actually broke the window, the policeman is polite and civil to Mr. Lyons, while he was rude and threatening to Mrs. Johnstone.
It is clear that the poorer children are treated with far less tolerance than children from wealthy backgrounds.

Analysis: The Lyons' Move

The Lyons' move to the countryside is motivated by Mrs. Lyons' fear that Edward is too close to the Johnstones.

Mrs. Lyons' irrationality

Mrs. Lyons is in such a state of desperation that she wants to completely relocate her family in order to escape her shameful actions of the past.

Edward and Mrs. Johnstone's relationship

Russell uses this scene to show how Edward is able to communicate more freely with Mrs. Johnstone than he is with the person who he believes to be his mother, Mrs. Lyons.
This shows that there is an unbreakable bond between a mother and her child, and Mrs. Johnstone clearly feels this too as she is unable to resist the urge to comfort Edward.
The locket becomes significant later in the play, and it also serves as a symbol of the bond between the three characters.

Edward's superstitions

The magpie incident is significant because it shows the audience that Edward has taken on some of the superstitions of the Johnstone family, despite growing up in a house where superstitious beliefs were discouraged.
This again shows the strong connection that Edward has to his biological family.

The duet

The shared song at this point in the play emphasises how similar the two boys are.
Despite not knowing about their true relationship as twin brothers, it is clear that the boys sense just how important they are to one another.

Analysis: The Johnstones Move

Mrs. Johnstone wants a new start for her and her family.

Wanting to escape the past

Mrs. Johnstone is optimistic that she will finally be able to move on from her past troubles and regrets - her failed marriage, her unruly children and her decision to give away one of her twins - and she can finally be happy again.

Similarity between the Lyons' and Johnstones

Despite their vastly different economic situations, the two families are heading in very similar directions, both trying to break with past misdemeanours.