Discuss “Look Back in Anger” as a play of class distinction.
The Caretaker is a notable literary work by Harold Pinter. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of The Caretaker.
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Discuss “Look Back in Anger” as a play of class distinction. [NU: 2016, 18, 20, 22] ★★★
John Osborne’s (1929 -1994) play “Look Back in Anger” (1956) became famous for showing the social and class struggles in post-war Britain. The play reflects the frustration of young people at that time. Through the character of Jimmy Porter, Osborne presents the pain and conflict caused by class difference.
Idea of Class Distinction: In drama, the main story is about Jimmy Porter, a young man full of anger and dissatisfaction. He has troubled relations with Alison, Helena, and Colonel Redfern. It shows how class creates distance between people. Osborne uses their conflicts to reveal the sharp gap between the working class and the upper-middle class.
Jimmy Porter as the Voice of Working-Class Anger: Jimmy Porter represents the frustrations of the working-class youth in 1950s England. Though educated, he runs a sweet stall and lives in a small, untidy flat. His anger reflects the struggles of those without privilege. In Act I, he sarcastically says:
“Let’s pretend that we’re human beings, and that we’re actually alive.”
This line shows his bitterness toward the dull and lifeless middle-class world. Jimmy feels trapped in a society where his intelligence and passion cannot find purpose. His anger against the class system defines his character.
Loss of Purpose and Social Inequality: Jimmy often complains that his generation has no great causes to fight for. Earlier generations fought in wars, but he feels stuck in boredom. In Act I, he says:
“I suppose people like me aren’t supposed to be very patriotic.”
This line shows his disillusionment and lack of pride. For him, the class system keeps people like him powerless, while the upper class continues to enjoy comfort. Jimmy’s frustration symbolizes the broken dreams of many working-class men after World War II.
Marriage as a Symbol of Class Conflict: The marriage between Jimmy and Alison is central to the play. Jimmy comes fromUnlock this study guide now