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Olamide
21/08/2025
English Literature
blood brothers y11 notes
570
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21 Aug 2025
•
Blood Brothers: Easy Revision Guide with Act Summaries and Questions
Olamide
@olamide_26
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.
Key Themes and Characters in Blood Brothers
This section of the Blood Brothers revision booklet focuses on the main themes and characters that students should be familiar with for their AQA English Literature Blood Brothers past papers.
Key Themes
- Nature vs. Nurture: The play explores whether it's genetics or upbringing that most influences a person's life.
- Class: The stark contrast between the Johnstone and Lyons families highlights societal inequalities.
- Superstition: Mrs. Lyons manipulates Mrs. Johnstone's superstitious nature, creating the central conflict.
- Motherhood: The play examines different aspects of motherhood through Mrs. Johnstone and Mrs. Lyons.
- Fate and Destiny: The Narrator's presence suggests that the tragic ending is predetermined.
Highlight: The theme of class is particularly relevant to the play's setting in Liverpool during the 1960s-80s, a time of significant economic and social change in Britain.
Main Characters
- The Narrator: Takes on multiple roles and provides commentary on the action.
- Mrs. Johnstone: Mother of the twins, represents working-class struggles.
- Mrs. Lyons: Adopts Eddie, represents privilege and manipulation.
- Mickey: The twin raised by Mrs. Johnstone, experiences hardship and depression.
- Eddie: The twin raised by Mrs. Lyons, privileged but naive about real-world struggles.
- Linda: Mickey's girlfriend and Eddie's secret love interest, caught between the two brothers.
Example: The character of Sammy, Mickey's delinquent older brother, serves as a foil to both Mickey and Eddie, showing an alternative path their lives could have taken.
Understanding these themes and characters is essential for answering Blood Brothers questions and answers in exams and for writing analytical essays on the play.
Blood Brothers Act 1 Summary
Act 1 of Blood Brothers introduces the main characters and establishes the central conflict that drives the rest of the play. This section of the Blood Brothers revision notes covers the early years of Mickey and Eddie's lives, from their birth to age 7.
The play opens with a Narrator who sets the tone and asks the audience to judge Mrs. Johnstone. We then meet Mrs. Johnstone, a poor woman expecting twins, and Mrs. Lyons, her wealthy employer. When Mrs. Johnstone reveals she's having twins, Mrs. Lyons convinces her to give one child to her. This decision sets the stage for the entire play.
Highlight: The superstition that separated twins will die if they learn the truth about their relationship becomes a crucial plot point.
As the boys grow up, they meet by chance and become best friends, unaware of their true relationship. They make a blood pact, becoming "blood brothers." The act ends with the families moving apart, but not before Mrs. Johnstone gives Eddie a locket with her picture.
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?"
This quote from the Narrator encapsulates two of the play's main themes: superstition and class division.
Vocabulary: Prologue - An introduction to a play, often providing background information or setting the scene.
We thought you’d never ask...
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Where can I download the Knowunity app?
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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: Easy Revision Guide with Act Summaries and Questions
Olamide
@olamide_26
Blood Brothers is a powerful play exploring themes of class, fate, and family through the story of twin brothers separated at birth. This Blood Brothers revision guide PDF provides a comprehensive overview of the plot, characters, and key themes for ... Show more
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.
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
Key Themes and Characters in Blood Brothers
This section of the Blood Brothers revision booklet focuses on the main themes and characters that students should be familiar with for their AQA English Literature Blood Brothers past papers.
Key Themes
- Nature vs. Nurture: The play explores whether it's genetics or upbringing that most influences a person's life.
- Class: The stark contrast between the Johnstone and Lyons families highlights societal inequalities.
- Superstition: Mrs. Lyons manipulates Mrs. Johnstone's superstitious nature, creating the central conflict.
- Motherhood: The play examines different aspects of motherhood through Mrs. Johnstone and Mrs. Lyons.
- Fate and Destiny: The Narrator's presence suggests that the tragic ending is predetermined.
Highlight: The theme of class is particularly relevant to the play's setting in Liverpool during the 1960s-80s, a time of significant economic and social change in Britain.
Main Characters
- The Narrator: Takes on multiple roles and provides commentary on the action.
- Mrs. Johnstone: Mother of the twins, represents working-class struggles.
- Mrs. Lyons: Adopts Eddie, represents privilege and manipulation.
- Mickey: The twin raised by Mrs. Johnstone, experiences hardship and depression.
- Eddie: The twin raised by Mrs. Lyons, privileged but naive about real-world struggles.
- Linda: Mickey's girlfriend and Eddie's secret love interest, caught between the two brothers.
Example: The character of Sammy, Mickey's delinquent older brother, serves as a foil to both Mickey and Eddie, showing an alternative path their lives could have taken.
Understanding these themes and characters is essential for answering Blood Brothers questions and answers in exams and for writing analytical essays on the play.
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
Blood Brothers Act 1 Summary
Act 1 of Blood Brothers introduces the main characters and establishes the central conflict that drives the rest of the play. This section of the Blood Brothers revision notes covers the early years of Mickey and Eddie's lives, from their birth to age 7.
The play opens with a Narrator who sets the tone and asks the audience to judge Mrs. Johnstone. We then meet Mrs. Johnstone, a poor woman expecting twins, and Mrs. Lyons, her wealthy employer. When Mrs. Johnstone reveals she's having twins, Mrs. Lyons convinces her to give one child to her. This decision sets the stage for the entire play.
Highlight: The superstition that separated twins will die if they learn the truth about their relationship becomes a crucial plot point.
As the boys grow up, they meet by chance and become best friends, unaware of their true relationship. They make a blood pact, becoming "blood brothers." The act ends with the families moving apart, but not before Mrs. Johnstone gives Eddie a locket with her picture.
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?"
This quote from the Narrator encapsulates two of the play's main themes: superstition and class division.
Vocabulary: Prologue - An introduction to a play, often providing background information or setting the scene.
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