Analysis: Mickey & Edward as Teenagers

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Analysis: Mickey and Edward Growing Up

In this scene, we are introduced to Mickey and Edward as teenagers. This is when their paths really begin to diverge.

Mickey and Edward growing up

The jump forward in time emphasises the theme of growing up, as Mickey and Edward are now teenagers.

The meaning of Mrs Johnstone's song

Although there is plenty of optimism in Mrs. Johnstone’s song as she opens the act, there are clearly still underlying problems caused by Sammy’s criminal behaviour, and Mrs. Johnstone still thinks a lot about Edward despite not having seen him for seven years.

The symbolism of dancing

There is a class contrast here between Mrs. Johnstone’s dancing with the milkman, and Mrs. Lyons dancing the waltz with her son, emphasising her ‘superior’ social status.
When Mrs. Lyons asks her son whether he feels safe in their home, it becomes clear to the audience that she is still insecure and anxious about their relationship.

Mickey's feelings for Linda

Mickey’s crush on Linda clearly links to the theme of growing up, and the audience see how Mickey’s feelings towards her have evolved since their innocent friendship in Act One.

Sammy entering adulthood

Sammy’s financial struggles as he enters adulthood start to become evident, and these problems will develop to become a crucially important part of the story later on.

Analysis: Mickey and Edward Getting Into Trouble

This scene demonstrates the similarities between Mickey and Edward, despite their different upbringings. We see Russell building up the degree of violence in the play.

A change in the act's tone

The second act has been relatively optimistic so far, but the Narrator’s reappearance serves as a reminder that there is still a debt to be paid (because of the sin Mrs. Johnstone committed by giving away her child).
This restores the ominous and threatening atmosphere which we saw in Act One.

Escalation of violence

The play fighting with toy guns which we saw in Act One has escalated, as seen by Sammy using a knife to threaten the bus conductor.
This violence is set to evolve even further, and the knife will soon be replaced by a real gun.

Mickey's embarrassment

While Linda seems more confident and mature about her love for Mickey, Mickey is still shy and embarrassed.
Regardless of Mickey’s embarrassment, it is now clear to the audience how the two childhood friends feel about each other.

Edward's rebelliousness

Edward’s inherent rebelliousness, something he has in common with Mickey, is seen again here.
Edward’s use of “the ‘F’ word” is significant because it was Mickey who taught him what it meant seven years before.

Comparison between Edward and Mickey

There is another clear parallel between the lives of Mickey and Edward here.
Despite the contrast between the environments of Edward’s very expensive boarding school and Mickey’s ordinary ‘secondary modern’ school, the boys find themselves in similar confrontations with their teachers.

Mrs. Lyons' paranoia

For Mrs. Lyons, finding the locket confirms her fears that the past, and the true story about the origins of her son, will follow her around forever.
Furthermore, it seems to her that no matter how hard she tries to make it feel like Edward is her real son, he will always have a deep connection with his biological family.
Just as happened in Act One, the Narrator is acting as a physical embodiment of Mrs. Lyons' deep rooted feelings of guilt and paranoia.

Analysis: Mickey and Edward Meet Again as Teenagers

Here Russell suggests the jealousy between Mickey and Edward. The topic of girlfriends and, in particular, Linda, foreshadows the plot.

The love triangle between Mickey, Edward and Linda

While it is clear that Mickey and Linda have strong feelings for each other, Mickey is still too shy and awkward to act on any of Linda’s advances.
To the audience, it is clear that the other boy at the window of the big house is Edward, creating a moment of dramatic irony.
This conversation also foreshadows the love triangle that will cause problems between the three characters later in the play.

Jealousy between Edward and Mickey

While the strong bond that seems to exist between the two boys is still present at this point, there is also a note of jealousy between. This is seen through their duet.
This jealousy is set to grow until it becomes a destructive force later on in the play.

Mickey and Edward's strong bond

Despite their years apart, Mickey and Edward very quickly bond again, further emphasising the connection they have as twins.
Mrs. Lyons’ paranoia, as she watches her son’s every movement, is becoming an ever more destructive force in the play.