Jimmy’s relationship with Alison and Helena

Comment on Jimmy’s relationship with Alison and Helena

 

Jimmy’s relationships with Alison and Helena in John Osborne‘s (1929-1994) play “Look Back in Anger” (1956) are marked by conflict, anger, and frustration. These relationships serve as central elements of the play and offer insight into Jimmy Porter’s character and the broader themes of the work.

Jimmy and Alison

Marital Strife: Jimmy’s relationship with his wife Alison is characterized by intense conflict and frustration. While there are moments of tenderness and love, their marriage is largely dominated by verbal abuse, sarcasm, and emotional distance. Jimmy constantly belittles Alison and criticizes her upper-class background, which he views as repressive and hypocritical.

Clash of Backgrounds: Their relationship portrays the stark class division in post-war Britain. Jimmy is a working-class graduate. However, he is reduced to running a sweet stall due to a lack of job opportunities. Alison comes from a privileged background that represents the very establishment Jimmy despises. This conflict is a source of tension and serves as a microcosm of the broader social issues explored in the play.

Desire for Authenticity: Despite the turmoil in their relationship, it is evident that both Jimmy and Alison yearn for authenticity and connection. They are trapped in a marriage that neither fully understands, and their inability to communicate effectively contributes to their misery. 

However, Jimmy and Alison love each other from their heart, which keeps them and brings them back together. The two show affection and love to each other when they play their Bear and Squirrel game.

Poor little silly animals. They were all love, and no brains.

(Alison Porter, Act 2, Scene 1)

Alison tells her friend Helena about the toy bear and squirrel. It’s a game Alison and Jimmy have played since their marriage.

Jimmy and Helena

Ambiguity and Attraction: Helena’s character introduces an element of obscurity into the play’s relationships. She is Alison’s best friend but becomes a source of attraction and temptation for Jimmy. Helena is drawn to Jimmy’s intensity and passion.

Helena’s presence adds another layer of tension to the already strained relationship between Jimmy and Alison.

Escape and Betrayal: Helena represents the possibility of escape for Jimmy, a chance to break free from the emotional turmoil of his marriage. However, pursuing a relationship with Helena also feels like a betrayal to Alison.

In summary, Jimmy’s relationships with Alison and Helena are at the heart of “Look Back in Anger.” These relationships are fraught with conflict, reflecting the broader themes of class struggle, societal dissatisfaction, and the search for authenticity. Jimmy’s character, in particular, is defined by his passionate and often destructive interactions with these two women.