Analysis: Mickey & Edward as Teenagers 2

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Analysis: Mrs. Johnston and Mrs. Lyons Meet Again

This scene demonstrates the differences between Mrs. Johnstone and Mrs. Lyons' style of parenting. Mrs. Lyons is clearly becoming increasingly unstable and jealous of Mrs. Johnstone's relationship with Edward.

Mrs. Johnstone as a mother

As she discusses the cinema with Edward and Mickey, Mrs. Johnstone shows that she has a good understanding of what growing up is like.
This contrasts sharply with how Mrs. Lyons acts with Edward.

The connection between Mrs. Johnstone and Edward

The unbreakable biological bond between Edward and Mrs. Johnstone is again very apparent in this scene, as evidenced by how happy they were to see one another.

Mrs. Lyons' mental instability

Mrs. Lyons has clearly suffered a complete breakdown at this point in the play, and tries to put all of the blame on Mrs. Johnstone.
Although clearly scared by the rantings of Mrs. Lyons, Mrs. Johnstone shows herself to be courageous as she defends herself and gets rid of Mrs. Lyons.

Analysis: Edward, Mickey and Linda are Reunited

This scene brings comic relief to the play. It also reminds us of Linda, Mickey and Edward's relationship in the previous act.

The purpose of the comedy

The comedic scene (where Edward, Mickey and Linda are at the same film) follows the darkness of Mrs. Lyons descending into madness, somewhat lightening the mood for a brief moment.

Linda's confidence

Linda again shows herself to be a confident and liberated character at this point, and she has no shame about going to see the pornographic film.

Strength of Linda, Mickey and Edward's friendship

This scene with the trio getting into the same sort of trouble as they did seven years previously shows how, although the children have grown up somewhat, their bond is similar to how it used to be.

The theme of growing up

The theme of growing up is dominant here as around four years pass during just a few minutes.
While the youth of Mickey, Edward and Linda seems idyllic, the Narrator continues to remind the audience that they are heading for disaster.
We also learn here that Linda’s life is going to also be ruined by Mrs. Johnstone’s and Mrs. Lyons’ fateful decision to separate the twins.

Analysis: Mickey and Edward as 18 Year Olds

By 18 it is clear that Mickey and Edward's lives are changing. Class and wealth is central to their differences.

Different paths

After several years of happy friendship, Mickey and Edward’s lives are now going in different directions, with Mickey working at a factory and Edward going to university.
This again makes clear the differences in class between the two boys: coming from a wealthier background, Edward seems to have greater opportunities than Mickey.

Edward's feelings for Linda

It becomes clear here that Edward has fallen for Linda as well, creating an ominous atmosphere as the potential love triangle becomes clear to the audience.
We also see how Edward values his friendship with Mickey more than a potential romance with Linda, hence the line “I’m not saying a word”.

Edward's loyalty to Mickey

Edward’s loyalty to Mickey is very clear in this scene as he encourages his friend to officially ask out Linda, despite his own feelings for her.
This does, however, now seem to put Edward in a slightly awkward position, at risk of being left out.

The impact of Linda's pregnancy

Linda's pregnancy is quite a jarring moment in the play as suddenly Mickey and Linda are forced into adulthood.
Furthermore, it seems that the version of adulthood they are entering into is going to be just like Mrs. Johnstone’s life: full of economic hardships and struggles.
The Narrator’s appearance to tell the audience that the “bogey man” is in town signifies that the pregnancy of Linda is going to have negative consequences.