3.3.2
Linda 2
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Linda: Strong and Independent
Linda is presented as a strong and independent character.
A guiding presence
- Linda is clearly presented as a strong character and, for the majority of the play, Mickey looks to Linda for advice and instruction:
- “You stay where y’ are, Mickey.” (Act Two).
Strength when Mickey is away
- Linda copes while Mickey is away in prison, managing to stay strong and using her resourcefulness to try and get the family back on track upon Mickey’s release.
- Using her connections with “a feller on the housing committee” (Edward), she successfully organises accommodation for the family and a job for Mickey.
Concealing things from Mickey
- Knowing full well that Mickey would not approve of this kind of charity, she does her best to keep the source of their improved fortunes a secret.
Linda: Flaws
Although Linda is presented as a strong and good natured character, she is still flawed. This culminates in her affair with Edward.
Affair with Edward
- Although the audience undoubtedly sympathises with Linda’s plight, she too shows herself to be a flawed character when she initiates an affair with Edward which ultimately contributes to the play’s bloody climax.
- The affair is presented to the audience in a largely wordless way, while Mrs. Johnstone sings:
- “Nothing cruel, / Nothing wrong. / It’s just two fools, / Who know the rules, / But break them all.” (Act Two).
Guilty?
- Through Mrs. Johnstone’s song, it seems that Russell is suggesting that the audience should not blame Linda for her actions, but instead understand that Mickey and Linda have been driven apart by unfortunate circumstances.
Mickey's breakdown
- However, it must be remembered that the failure of Mickey and Linda’s relationship is a key part of Mickey’s breakdown at the end of the play.
- As Mickey says, Linda was “the one thing left in my life.” (Act Two).
1Context & Author
2Plot
2.1Act One
2.1.1Overview: Introduction to Mrs Johnstone & Lyons2.1.2Analysis: Introduction to Mrs. Johnston and Lyons2.1.3Overview: The Birth of Mickey & Edward2.1.4Analysis: The Birth of Mickey & Edward2.1.5Overview: Mickey Playing at Home2.1.6Overview: Mickey & Edward as Seven-year-olds2.1.7Analysis: Mickey & Edward as Seven-year-olds2.1.8Overview: Mickey & Edward as Seven-year-olds 22.1.9Analysis: Mickey & Edward as Seven-year-olds 22.1.10End of Topic Test - Act One2.1.11End of Topic Test - Act One 2
2.2Act Two
2.2.1Overview: Mickey & Edward as Teenagers2.2.2Analysis: Mickey & Edward as Teenagers2.2.3Overview: Mickey & Edward as Teenagers 22.2.4Analysis: Mickey & Edward as Teenagers 22.2.5Overview: Mickey & Edward as Teenagers 32.2.6Analysis: Mickey & Edward as Teenagers 32.2.7Overview: Mickey & Edward as Adults2.2.8Analysis: Mickey & Edward as Adults2.2.9End of Topic Test - Act Two2.2.10End of Topic Test - Act Two 2
3Characters
3.3Linda
3.4Mrs Johnstone
3.6Mr Lyons
3.7Sammy
3.8The Narrator
3.10End of Topic Sessions
4Themes
4.1Parents & Children
4.2Growing Up
4.3Friendship & Brotherhood
4.4Fate & Superstition
4.5Nature vs. Nurture
5Literary Techniques
5.1Structure
5.2Tragedy
5.3Dramatic Irony
5.4Imagery
5.5Character & Voice
5.6Music & Lyrics
Jump to other topics
1Context & Author
2Plot
2.1Act One
2.1.1Overview: Introduction to Mrs Johnstone & Lyons2.1.2Analysis: Introduction to Mrs. Johnston and Lyons2.1.3Overview: The Birth of Mickey & Edward2.1.4Analysis: The Birth of Mickey & Edward2.1.5Overview: Mickey Playing at Home2.1.6Overview: Mickey & Edward as Seven-year-olds2.1.7Analysis: Mickey & Edward as Seven-year-olds2.1.8Overview: Mickey & Edward as Seven-year-olds 22.1.9Analysis: Mickey & Edward as Seven-year-olds 22.1.10End of Topic Test - Act One2.1.11End of Topic Test - Act One 2
2.2Act Two
2.2.1Overview: Mickey & Edward as Teenagers2.2.2Analysis: Mickey & Edward as Teenagers2.2.3Overview: Mickey & Edward as Teenagers 22.2.4Analysis: Mickey & Edward as Teenagers 22.2.5Overview: Mickey & Edward as Teenagers 32.2.6Analysis: Mickey & Edward as Teenagers 32.2.7Overview: Mickey & Edward as Adults2.2.8Analysis: Mickey & Edward as Adults2.2.9End of Topic Test - Act Two2.2.10End of Topic Test - Act Two 2
3Characters
3.3Linda
3.4Mrs Johnstone
3.6Mr Lyons
3.7Sammy
3.8The Narrator
3.10End of Topic Sessions
4Themes
4.1Parents & Children
4.2Growing Up
4.3Friendship & Brotherhood
4.4Fate & Superstition
4.5Nature vs. Nurture
5Literary Techniques
5.1Structure
5.2Tragedy
5.3Dramatic Irony
5.4Imagery
5.5Character & Voice
5.6Music & Lyrics
Practice questions on Linda 2
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- 1
- 2Which event shows Linda's flaws?Multiple choice
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