Analysis: Introduction to Mrs. Johnston and Lyons
English Lit: AQA GCSE Blood Brothers, topic 2.1.2
Analysis: Introduction to the Lyons Family
Here we see the dynamic between Mrs. Johnstone and Mrs. Lyons. Russell uses the scene to emphasise the stark contrast between their lives.
Contrast between the women
- Russell shows the harsh contrast between the impoverished conditions of Mrs. Johnstone’s family with the lavish wealth of Mr. and Mrs. Lyons, introducing the key theme of social class.
The theme of superstition
- The incident with the shoes on the table introduces the audience to the theme of superstition, which goes on to drive key events in the play.
Analysis: Introduction to Mrs. Johnstone
At the beginning of Blood Brothers the narrator reveals the trajectory of the plot. As such, the audience knows that tragedy is inevitable.
A tragic ending
- Russell uses the Narrator to ensure that the audience knows from the very beginning that the play has a tragic ending.
- The Narrator reappears periodically to remind the audience of the fate that awaits the twins, creating an ominous sense of doom.
Reference to Marilyn Monroe
- Mrs. Johnstone introduces the important symbol of Marilyn Monroe.
- The Hollywood star met a tragic end, and she is mentioned several times in the play because her demise mirrors what happens to several of the characters, especially Mrs. Johnstone’s son, Mickey.
The Johnstone's poverty
- The desperate financial situation of the Johnstone family becomes apparent through Mrs. Johnstone's interaction with the milkman.
- The Narrator appears as different characters throughout the play and, just like the milkman in this scene, he is always the bearer of bad news.
Test yourself on Analysis: Introduction to Mrs. Johnston and Lyons
What are living conditions for the Johnstone family like?
Who introduces the important symbol of Marilyn Monroe?
The desperate financial situation of the Johnstone family becomes apparent through Mrs. Johnstone's interaction with who?