Act 2 Summary
Act 2 of Blood Brothers delves deeper into the lives of Mickey and Eddie as they grow into adulthood, highlighting the stark differences in their upbringings and the consequences of their separation. This act is crucial for understanding the play's themes and is often a focus in Blood Brothers GCSE questions.
The act opens with a reprise of the Marilyn Monroe song, showcasing Mrs. Johnstone's improved circumstances after moving to the countryside. We see Mickey and Eddie reunite as teenagers, not recognizing each other at first, but quickly rekindling their friendship.
Example: The scene where Mickey and Eddie meet again and sing "That Guy" illustrates how each envies the other's life, unaware of their shared origins.
As the characters age, their paths diverge further. Eddie goes off to university, while Mickey struggles to find work and eventually marries Linda, his childhood sweetheart. The Blood Brothers story timeline takes a dramatic turn when Mickey becomes involved in a robbery with his brother Sammy, leading to his imprisonment.
Highlight: The "Summer Sequence" is a pivotal moment in the play, showing the characters' transition into adulthood and the growing divide between Mickey and Eddie's lives.
The act culminates in a series of tragic events:
- Mickey becomes addicted to antidepressants while in prison
- Linda begins an affair with Eddie
- Mickey discovers the truth about his relationship with Eddie
Definition: Dramatic irony - A literary device where the audience knows something the characters do not, used extensively in Blood Brothers as we watch the twins' lives unfold.
The themes of class and fate are particularly prominent in Act 2. The contrast between Mickey's struggles and Eddie's success highlights the impact of their different upbringings, challenging the audience to consider the role of nature versus nurture in shaping one's destiny.
Quote: "Tell me it's not true, say it's just a story" - This line from the final song encapsulates the tragic nature of the play and the characters' disbelief at their fate.
For students preparing for AQA English Literature Blood Brothers past Papers, it's essential to analyze how Willy Russell uses parallel scenes, musical numbers, and the Narrator's commentary to emphasize the play's themes and drive home its social commentary.
