Describe the role of Jimmy Porter in the play “Look Back in Anger.”
Look Back in Anger is a notable literary work by John Osborne. 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 Look Back in Anger.
Answer
Describe the role of Jimmy Porter in the play “Look Back in Anger.” Or, how far is Jimmy Porter, spokesman of the post-war youth in England?
John Osborne’s (1929-1994) play “Look Back in Anger” (1956) shows the life of Jimmy Porter. Jimmy is a young man filled with anger, frustration, and pain. He represents the voice of the post-war youth in England. Through him, Osborne shows how the younger generation felt lost and hopeless after World War II. Jimmy’s anger is not just personal; it speaks for all those who were disappointed with modern society.
A Picture of the Angry Young Man: Jimmy Porter is the main character and the “angry young man” of the play. He is educated but poor, intelligent but full of bitterness. He has a university degree. However, he runs a small sweet stall because society gives him no better chance. He tried many things, such as “journalism, advertising, even vacuum cleaners for a few weeks.” However, there are no better opportunities for educated young men like him with a lower-middle-class background. This shows the frustration of post-war youth. They had education but no proper jobs. Jimmy says,
“I learned at an early age what it was to be angry.”
His anger actually comes from inequality and class divisions in post-war England.
Conflict with the Upper Class: Jimmy’s wife Alison comes from an upper-class family. Jimmy always fights with her because he hates the cruel, emotionless attitude of her class. He feels that rich people have no real feelings and no understanding of life’s pain. Through this marriage, Osborne shows the clash between the new lower-middle-class youth and the traditional upper class. Jimmy says bitterly that Alison’s friends live in “a different world.” His anger at her family background shows the class struggle in post-war Britain.
Search for Real Feelings: Behind his shouting and cruelty, Jimmy is really searching for love and understanding. He hates the dull and empty life around him. He wants real emotions,Unlock this study guide now