Blood Brothers is a powerful play exploring themes of class, ... Show more
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
144
0
G
gabby
22/01/2023
English Literature
Blood Brothers Key Quotes
4,911
•
22 Jan 2023
•
Blood Brothers Key Quotes for Mrs Johnstone, Mickey, and More!
G
gabby
@gabbyr07
Childhood
This section explores the early relationship between Mickey and Edward, highlighting their different backgrounds and the growing bond between them.
Mickey asks Edward "are you soft?", showing his streetwise nature and willingness to take advantage of Edward's generosity. Edward, in turn, is in awe of Mickey, saying "you say smashing things." Their class differences initially bring them together rather than separating them.
Mrs Lyons' class prejudice is evident when she says, "I don't want you mixing with boys like that!" A stage direction notes Edward "(in the background... watching, unnoticed)," symbolizing his lonely childhood and encouraging audience sympathy.
Linda is introduced as a strong character, with a stage direction noting "(Linda catches the grenade and lobs it back)." This foreshadows her future role as a potentially destructive force in the brothers' relationship.
Quote: "There's gypsies in the wood" - Narrator
Highlight: This line embodies Mrs Lyons' growing fears and paranoia about losing Edward.
The act ends on an optimistic note with Mrs Johnstone saying, "Oh, bright new day," setting up a contrast with future events.
Adolescence
This section shows the characters transitioning into their teenage years, with growing tensions and changes in their relationships.
Mrs Johnstone's comment about Sammy burning down the school suggests that despite their fresh start, little has changed for her family. A stage direction describes Edward "(walking with a very awkward Fourteen-year-old)," indicating a formal and stifled relationship with his adoptive parents.
Linda's protective nature towards Mickey is shown when she says, "You stay where y'are Mickey!" At this point, she acts as a guiding influence for him.
The narrator returns after a period of absence, asking "did you really feel that you'd become secure?" This suggests that the characters can't escape their past or predetermined fate.
Quote: "It seems that summer's never coming to an end" - Narrator
Highlight: This line foreshadows that the carefree 'summer' days of childhood won't last forever.
A pivotal stage direction notes "(when Linda's caught in the middle the game freezes)," symbolizing how Linda may become a wedge between the brothers.
Adulthood
The final section of Blood Brothers quotes shows the characters as adults, dealing with the harsh realities of life and the consequences of their choices.
The economic context is set with Mr Lyons saying, "I'm afraid it's a sign of the times," referring to widespread unemployment in 1980s northern England. Mickey's isolation is shown through stage directions: "(Mickey leaves the group and stands apart)."
The contrast between Mickey and Edward's lives becomes stark. Edward casually says, "If I couldn't get a job I'd just say sod it," highlighting his lack of empathy for Mickey's situation. Mickey tells Edward, "That was kids' stuff, Eddie," showing how he has been forced to mature while Edward remains childlike.
Quote: "How come you got everything... an' I got nothin'?" - Mickey
Highlight: This line juxtaposes 'everything' and 'nothing', emphasizing the disparity between the brothers' lives.
The play's themes come to a head with Mickey's desperate cry, "I could have been him!" This reveals his desperation to escape his working-class life and the tragedy of the brothers' separation.
Quote: "And do we blame superstition for what came to pass? Or could it be what we, the English, have come to know as class?"
Highlight: This final line from the narrator encapsulates the play's central questions about fate, superstition, and social class.
Birth
The opening of Blood Brothers introduces the main characters and sets up the central conflict. Mrs Johnstone quotes and analysis reveal her as a complex, sympathetic character despite initial negative descriptions.
The narrator describes Mrs Johnstone harshly, saying "there's a stone in place of her heart." This invites the audience to prejudge her character. A stage direction notes she is "aged thirty but looks more like fifty," suggesting her difficult life has prematurely aged her.
Mrs Johnstone recalls past flattery, saying "he said my eyes were deep blue pools." This indicates she may be easily flattered and taken advantage of. Her line "no more dancing" shows how the glamour and excitement have faded from her life.
The relationship between Mrs Johnstone and Mrs Lyons is established. Mrs Lyons pressures Mrs Johnstone, repeating "quickly, quickly tell me, when are you due?" She insists on making a "binding agreement," using business-like language.
Quote: "If either twin learn that he once was a pair, they shall both immediately die" - Mrs Lyons
Highlight: This quote shows how Mrs Lyons manipulates Mrs Johnstone's superstitious nature to keep the twins separated.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Blood Brothers Key Quotes for Mrs Johnstone, Mickey, and More!
G
gabby
@gabbyr07
Blood Brothers is a powerful play exploring themes of class, fate, and identity through the lives of twin brothers separated at birth. The story follows Mickey and Edward from childhood to adulthood, highlighting how their different upbringings shape their... Show more
Childhood
This section explores the early relationship between Mickey and Edward, highlighting their different backgrounds and the growing bond between them.
Mickey asks Edward "are you soft?", showing his streetwise nature and willingness to take advantage of Edward's generosity. Edward, in turn, is in awe of Mickey, saying "you say smashing things." Their class differences initially bring them together rather than separating them.
Mrs Lyons' class prejudice is evident when she says, "I don't want you mixing with boys like that!" A stage direction notes Edward "(in the background... watching, unnoticed)," symbolizing his lonely childhood and encouraging audience sympathy.
Linda is introduced as a strong character, with a stage direction noting "(Linda catches the grenade and lobs it back)." This foreshadows her future role as a potentially destructive force in the brothers' relationship.
Quote: "There's gypsies in the wood" - Narrator
Highlight: This line embodies Mrs Lyons' growing fears and paranoia about losing Edward.
The act ends on an optimistic note with Mrs Johnstone saying, "Oh, bright new day," setting up a contrast with future events.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Adolescence
This section shows the characters transitioning into their teenage years, with growing tensions and changes in their relationships.
Mrs Johnstone's comment about Sammy burning down the school suggests that despite their fresh start, little has changed for her family. A stage direction describes Edward "(walking with a very awkward Fourteen-year-old)," indicating a formal and stifled relationship with his adoptive parents.
Linda's protective nature towards Mickey is shown when she says, "You stay where y'are Mickey!" At this point, she acts as a guiding influence for him.
The narrator returns after a period of absence, asking "did you really feel that you'd become secure?" This suggests that the characters can't escape their past or predetermined fate.
Quote: "It seems that summer's never coming to an end" - Narrator
Highlight: This line foreshadows that the carefree 'summer' days of childhood won't last forever.
A pivotal stage direction notes "(when Linda's caught in the middle the game freezes)," symbolizing how Linda may become a wedge between the brothers.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Adulthood
The final section of Blood Brothers quotes shows the characters as adults, dealing with the harsh realities of life and the consequences of their choices.
The economic context is set with Mr Lyons saying, "I'm afraid it's a sign of the times," referring to widespread unemployment in 1980s northern England. Mickey's isolation is shown through stage directions: "(Mickey leaves the group and stands apart)."
The contrast between Mickey and Edward's lives becomes stark. Edward casually says, "If I couldn't get a job I'd just say sod it," highlighting his lack of empathy for Mickey's situation. Mickey tells Edward, "That was kids' stuff, Eddie," showing how he has been forced to mature while Edward remains childlike.
Quote: "How come you got everything... an' I got nothin'?" - Mickey
Highlight: This line juxtaposes 'everything' and 'nothing', emphasizing the disparity between the brothers' lives.
The play's themes come to a head with Mickey's desperate cry, "I could have been him!" This reveals his desperation to escape his working-class life and the tragedy of the brothers' separation.
Quote: "And do we blame superstition for what came to pass? Or could it be what we, the English, have come to know as class?"
Highlight: This final line from the narrator encapsulates the play's central questions about fate, superstition, and social class.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Birth
The opening of Blood Brothers introduces the main characters and sets up the central conflict. Mrs Johnstone quotes and analysis reveal her as a complex, sympathetic character despite initial negative descriptions.
The narrator describes Mrs Johnstone harshly, saying "there's a stone in place of her heart." This invites the audience to prejudge her character. A stage direction notes she is "aged thirty but looks more like fifty," suggesting her difficult life has prematurely aged her.
Mrs Johnstone recalls past flattery, saying "he said my eyes were deep blue pools." This indicates she may be easily flattered and taken advantage of. Her line "no more dancing" shows how the glamour and excitement have faded from her life.
The relationship between Mrs Johnstone and Mrs Lyons is established. Mrs Lyons pressures Mrs Johnstone, repeating "quickly, quickly tell me, when are you due?" She insists on making a "binding agreement," using business-like language.
Quote: "If either twin learn that he once was a pair, they shall both immediately die" - Mrs Lyons
Highlight: This quote shows how Mrs Lyons manipulates Mrs Johnstone's superstitious nature to keep the twins separated.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user