Blood Brothers - Themes: Social Class & Inequality

Social class inequality is a central theme in Blood Brothers, reflecting the socioeconomic divides in 1980s Britain:

• Mickey and his family represent the struggling working class affected by high unemployment
• Edward and the Lyons family embody the thriving middle class

Quote: "You don't understand anythin', do ye? I don't wear a hat that I could tilt at the world." - Mickey

This quote highlights the vast differences in Mickey and Edward's life experiences and opportunities despite being twins.

Highlight: Willy Russell challenges Margaret Thatcher's belief that hard work alone leads to success, showing how social class limits prospects.

The play explores how social class shapes the twins' lives through:

• Differences in childhood experiences
• Contrasting education and job opportunities
• Divergent adult lives and relationships

Example: Edward's privileged upbringing allows him to pursue higher education, while Mickey struggles to find stable employment.

Blood Brothers - Themes: Superstition & Fate

Superstition and fate play significant roles in Blood Brothers, intertwining with the theme of social class:

• Mrs Johnstone is highly superstitious, believing in omens and luck
• Mrs Lyons manipulates Mrs Johnstone's beliefs to keep the twins apart
• The Narrator reinforces the idea of an inescapable fate throughout the play

Quote: "Y' know the devil's got your number / Y' know he's gonna find y'" - Narrator

Russell questions whether superstition and fate truly determine the twins' futures or if social class is the more powerful force.

Highlight: The play challenges audiences to consider if the tragic ending is due to superstition or societal inequalities.

Blood Brothers - Themes: Violence

Violence permeates Blood Brothers, escalating as the play progresses:

• Working-class children are exposed to violence from a young age
• Characters turn to violence when they feel powerless or lose control
• The play culminates in the tragic, violent deaths of Mickey and Edward

Quote: "But you know that if you cross your fingers / And if you count from one to ten / You can get up off the ground again / It doesn't matter / The whole thing's just a game."

This quote from the Narrator ironically contrasts the innocence of childhood games with the real-world violence that shapes the characters' lives.

Examples of violence in the play:

• Sammy involving Mickey in armed robbery
• Mrs Lyons becoming violent towards Mrs Johnstone
• Mickey accidentally shooting Edward in the final scene

Highlight: Violence in Blood Brothers often reflects characters' lack of control over their circumstances, particularly for working-class individuals.

Blood Brothers - Characters: Mickey

Mickey is a complex character who embodies the struggles of the working class:

1. Friendly: Initially open and welcoming to Edward Quote: "See this means that we're blood brothers, an' that we always have to stand by each other."
2. Uneducated: Uses slang and swear words, unfamiliar with formal language Quote: "Yeh. Yeh, I know loads of words like that. Y'know like the 'F' word."
3. Frustrated: Becomes angry when he loses his job and can't provide for his family Quote: "That was kids' stuff, Eddie. Didn't anyone tell y? But I suppose you still are a kid, aren't ye?"
4. Bitter: Resents the differences between his life and Edward's by the end of the play Quote: "Well, how come you got everything... an' I got nothin'?"

Highlight: Mickey's character arc demonstrates how social inequality can shape a person's life trajectory and outlook.

Blood Brothers - Characters: Edward

Edward represents the privileged middle class in Blood Brothers:

1. Warm: Forms a quick connection with Mrs Johnstone despite class differences Quote: "I thought you didn't like me. I thought you weren't very nice. But I think you're smashing."
2. Kind: Willing to share his possessions with his new friend Mickey Quote: "Yes, of course. Take as many as you want."
3. Thoughtless: Often unaware of the realities of working-class life Quote: "So you're not working. Why is it so important?"
4. Educated: Uses formal language and has access to educational resources Example: Edward mentions looking up words in a dictionary, highlighting his privileged access to education.

Highlight: Edward's character serves as a foil to Mickey, emphasizing the impact of social class on personal development and opportunities.

Characters: Edward

Edward's privileged upbringing shapes his character and worldview.

Quote: "So you're not working. Why is it so important?"

Highlight: Despite his kind nature, Edward's privileged background prevents him from truly understanding Mickey's struggles.

Example: His willingness to share sweets demonstrates his generous nature but also his taken-for-granted wealth.

Characters: Mrs Johnstone

Mrs Johnstone represents resilience in the face of working-class hardship.

Quote: "By the time that I was twenty five, I looked like forty two"

Highlight: Her character develops from struggling young mother to a more mature, self-sufficient woman.

Example: Her rejection of money later in the play shows her growth and changed priorities.

Blood Brothers - Exam Introduction

The Blood Brothers exam typically includes two questions:

• One focused on a specific character
• One addressing a major theme

Recent exam topics have included:

• Character questions on Mrs Johnstone, the Narrator, Mrs Lyons, and Linda
• Thematic questions on education, society, friendship, money, and life experiences

Highlight: Always carefully plan your response before answering an exam question on Blood Brothers.

Example: The 2021 exam asked about Mrs Johnstone as a strong female character and the importance of education in the play.