Significance of the Bear-Squirrel game in “Look Back in Anger.”

Answer

Comment on the significance of the Bear-Squirrel game in “Look Back in Anger.” [NU: 2015, 17, 19, 21] ★★★  

John Osborne’s (1929 -1994) play “Look Back in Anger” (1956) shows the anger, pain, and class struggle of post-war Britain. In the middle of all the bitterness, Osborne includes the Bear-Squirrel game. At first, this game looks simple and childish, but it carries deep meaning. It shows Jimmy and Alison’s need for love, their escape from reality, and also the sadness of their broken relationship. 

Escape from Reality: Jimmy and Alison’s marriage is full of pain and quarrels. Jimmy always mocks Alison, and Alison often stays silent. In this unhappy world, the Bear-Squirrel game gives them a small escape. They imagine themselves as a bear and a squirrel—two small animals living only for food, love, and shelter. In Act III, Jimmy says,

“We’ll be together in our bear’s cave, or our squirrel’s drey.” 

This shows the game gives them a safe, private world where they can forget social and personal struggles. 

Expression of Affection: In real life, Jimmy and Alison struggle to express love. Jimmy’s words are often cruel, like in Act I when he tells Alison:

“If you could have a child, and it would die… if only I could watch you face that.”

Such harshness destroys their closeness. But in the Bear-Squirrel game, Jimmy becomes gentle. Here, their love comes out in a soft way.  In the game, Act 2, Scene 1, Alison recalls,

“We could become little furry creatures with little furry brains. Full of dumb, uncomplicated affection for each other.”

Here, they can express simple, childlike affection that is missing in their daily lives.

A Temporary Peace: The game works like a small peace in their bitter war. For a short time, Jimmy and Alison stop fighting and become tender. They call each other, “Poor squirrels, poor, poor bears.” These words show pity, kindness, and softness