Blood Brothers Act 2 Summary
Act 2 of Blood Brothers follows the characters into their teenage years and adulthood, exploring the consequences of the decisions made in Act 1. This section of the Blood Brothers summary and analysis is crucial for understanding the play's tragic conclusion.
The act begins with Mrs. Johnstone singing about their new life, reintroducing Mickey and Sammy as teenagers. We see the contrast between Mickey's working-class life and Eddie's privileged upbringing. Despite their different backgrounds, Mickey and Eddie reunite by chance and renew their friendship.
Example: The parallel scenes of Mickey and Eddie being suspended from their respective schools highlight the class divide between them.
As the characters grow older, we see their relationships evolve. Eddie develops feelings for Linda, Mickey's girlfriend, but steps aside out of loyalty to his friend. The play explores themes of love, loyalty, and the impact of economic hardship on relationships.
Definition: Nymphomaniac Nights - A fictional film mentioned in the play, used to show the boys' growing interest in adult themes and their different levels of maturity.
The act culminates in a series of tragic events. Mickey loses his job and becomes involved in a robbery with Sammy. He's imprisoned for seven years, during which time he becomes addicted to antidepressants. Meanwhile, Linda begins an affair with Eddie, setting the stage for the play's climactic ending.
Highlight: The song "Marilyn Monroe" is reprised throughout the play, serving as a motif that reflects Mrs. Johnstone's dreams and the harsh realities of her life.
This act demonstrates how the characters' lives have been shaped by their circumstances and the decisions made for them in childhood, reinforcing the play's exploration of nature versus nurture.
