Superstition and Fate in Blood Brothers
The themes of superstition and fate in Blood Brothers play a crucial role in driving the narrative and shaping the characters' actions. Willy Russell uses these elements to explore the tension between predetermined destiny and the impact of social circumstances on the characters' lives.
Highlight: While superstition and fate are important themes, Russell questions whether they truly determine the characters' destinies or if social class plays a more significant role.
Superstition is introduced early in the play:
- Mrs. Johnstone's superstitious nature is quickly established, contrasting with Mrs. Lyons' more rational outlook.
- This difference in beliefs gives Mrs. Lyons power over Mrs. Johnstone, influencing key plot developments.
Quote: "You never put new shoes on the table."
This superstition, mentioned by Mrs. Johnstone, illustrates how deeply ingrained these beliefs are in her working-class background.
The concept of fate is woven throughout the narrative:
- The narrator repeatedly reminds the audience of the twins' inevitable fate.
- The opening scene reveals the twins' deaths, creating a sense of inescapable destiny.
Quote: "Y' know the devil's got your number / Y'know he's gonna find y'"
This recurring song emphasizes the idea that Mickey and Edward cannot escape their predetermined fate.
Russell uses superstition to drive the plot:
Quote: "They... they say that if either twin learns that he once was a pair, they shall both immediately die."
This invented superstition by Mrs. Lyons becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, directly influencing the tragic ending of the play.
The interplay between superstition, fate, and social class raises important questions:
- Are Mickey and Edward's destinies truly determined by superstitious beliefs?
- Or do their divergent life paths result more from the stark differences in their social circumstances?
Example: Mrs. Lyons' actions, driven by the superstition she herself invented, ultimately contribute to the tragedy, blurring the lines between fate and human agency.
Through the themes of superstition and fate in Blood Brothers, Russell challenges the audience to consider the complex interplay between belief, social class, and individual choices in shaping human destinies. The play suggests that while superstitious beliefs may influence actions, the real determinant of the characters' fates may lie in the societal structures that create and perpetuate inequality.