Nature vs. Nurture
English Lit: AQA GCSE Blood Brothers, topic 4.5.1
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
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 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.
Test yourself on Nature vs. Nurture
What is Edward's title when he works for the local government?
What does Mickey grow up in?
“Fabulous”: Who is Edward describing?