Nature vs. Nurture

Nurture in Blood Brothers

The question of nature vs. nurture is one of the key debates explored throughout the play. Essentially, how much of a person’s life comes from inherited genetics (nature), and how much is down to their upbringing (nurture)?

Edward's upbringing

Edward Lyons grows up in a rich and well-connected household, and his parents have provided him with many opportunities to be successful.
As a result, he goes on to study at university and becomes successful in local government as “Councillor Eddie Lyons” (Act Two).

Mickey's upbringing

Mickey, on the other hand, grows up in desperate poverty.
Although very loving towards him, his mother, Mrs. Johnstone, is unable to provide him with the same opportunities as Edward.
Furthermore, he receives an inferior education and, from a young age, witnesses the criminality of his older brother, Sammy.

Mickey's opportunities

It comes as no surprise when Mickey grows up to do a low-paid job that he hates working in a “soddin’” factory, before following in his brother’s footsteps by committing criminal acts which result in his imprisonment and subsequent mental breakdown:
- “Mickey: Leave me alone will y’? I can’t cope with this. I’m not well.” (Act Two).

Nature in Blood Brothers

Edward's attraction to the Johnstone family

Russell presents a key question as to why Edward is so drawn to the Johnstone family, while he seems not to be fully connected to his own.

Edward's relationship with Mrs. Lyons

At times, his relationship with the woman whom he believes to be his mother, Mrs. Lyons, is turbulent:
- “If you loved me you’d let me go out with Mickey because he’s my best friend. I like him more than you.” (Act One).

Edward preferring Mrs. Johnstone

Meanwhile, there are several occasions where Edward expresses his admiration for Mrs. Johnstone. He considers her to be “smashing” (Act One) and “fabulous” (Act Two).

Reasons for Edward preferring Mrs. Johnstone

It could be that Edward finds his own home environment oppressive, and that he simply enjoys the freedom of the Johnstone household where children are allowed to express their feelings and behave in a way that Mrs. Lyons would consider to be indecent.
Alternatively, however, Russell could be suggesting that Edward has a biological connection to the Johnstone family which is drawing him ever closer towards them.

Similarities between Mickey and Edward

Russell deliberately creates similarities between Mickey and Edward which are most easily explained by the ‘nature’ side of the argument:
- Both of the boys like swearing and using bad language.
- They both enjoy playing the same kinds of games, mostly involving toy guns, inspired by cowboy and gangster films of the time.
- Mickey and Edward both have strong feelings for Linda.
- Both of them are suspended from their schools, suggesting a natural tendency to rebel against authority.

1Context & Author

1.1Context

1.1.1Setting

1.1.2Political Background

1.1.3Education & Work

1.1.4Marilyn Monroe & Pop Culture

1.1.5Family

1.2Author

1.2.1Willy Russell

1.2.2End of Topic Test - Context & Author

2Plot

2.1Act One

2.1.1Overview: Introduction to Mrs Johnstone & Lyons

2.1.2Analysis: Introduction to Mrs. Johnston and Lyons

2.1.3Overview: The Birth of Mickey & Edward

2.1.4Analysis: The Birth of Mickey & Edward

2.1.5Overview: Mickey Playing at Home

2.1.6Overview: Mickey & Edward as Seven-year-olds

2.1.7Analysis: Mickey & Edward as Seven-year-olds

2.1.8Overview: Mickey & Edward as Seven-year-olds 2

2.1.9Analysis: Mickey & Edward as Seven-year-olds 2

2.1.10End of Topic Test - Act One

2.1.11End of Topic Test - Act One 2

2.2Act Two

2.2.1Overview: Mickey & Edward as Teenagers

2.2.2Analysis: Mickey & Edward as Teenagers

2.2.3Overview: Mickey & Edward as Teenagers 2

2.2.4Analysis: Mickey & Edward as Teenagers 2

2.2.5Overview: Mickey & Edward as Teenagers 3

2.2.6Analysis: Mickey & Edward as Teenagers 3

2.2.7Overview: Mickey & Edward as Adults

2.2.8Analysis: Mickey & Edward as Adults

2.2.9End of Topic Test - Act Two

2.2.10End of Topic Test - Act Two 2

3Characters

3.1Mickey

3.1.1Mickey

3.1.2Mickey as a Damaged Adult

3.2Edward

3.2.1Edward

3.2.2Edward 2

3.2.3End of Topic Test - Mickey & Edward

3.3Linda

3.3.1Linda

3.3.2Linda 2

3.4Mrs Johnstone

3.4.1Mrs Johnstone

3.4.2Mrs Johnstone 2

3.5Mrs Lyons

3.5.1Mrs Lyons

3.5.2Mrs Lyons 2

3.5.3End of Topic Test - Linda & Mothers

3.6Mr Lyons

3.6.1Mr Lyons

3.7Sammy

3.7.1Sammy

3.8The Narrator

3.8.1The Narrator

3.9Minor

3.9.1Minor Characters

3.9.2End of Topic Test - Other Characters

3.10End of Topic Sessions

3.10.1Grade 9 - Key Characters

4Themes

4.1Parents & Children

4.1.1Parents & Children

4.2Growing Up

4.2.1Growing Up

4.3Friendship & Brotherhood

4.3.1Friendship & Brotherhood

4.3.2End of Topic Test - Parents, Growing Up, Friends

4.4Fate & Superstition

4.4.1Fate & Superstition

4.5Nature vs. Nurture

4.5.1Nature vs. Nurture

4.6Social Class

4.6.1Social Class

4.6.2End of Topic Test - Fate, Upbringing & Class

5Literary Techniques

5.1Structure

5.1.1Structure

5.2Tragedy

5.2.1Tragedy

5.3Dramatic Irony

5.3.1Dramatic Irony

5.4Imagery

5.4.1Imagery

5.5Character & Voice

5.5.1Character

5.6Music & Lyrics

5.6.1Music & Lyrics

5.7Accent & Dialect

5.7.1Accent & Dialect

5.7.2End of Topic Test - Literary Techniques

5.7.3End of Topic Test - Literary Techniques 2

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