Look Back in Anger

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Introduction

John Osborne was an English playwright, screenwriter, actor, and critic. His works were filled with anger and social criticism. His play Look Back in Anger changed British theatre and made him famous. It was a reaction against the polished, upper-class dramas of the time. Osborne was known as an "angry young man" who strongly criticized the injustices of British society.

Kitchen Sink Drama

Osborne gained recognition when Look Back in Anger premiered on May 8, 1956. The play revolutionized British theatre with its realistic setting, leading to the term "kitchen-sink drama." It gave a voice to the lower-middle class and captured the frustration of post-war British youth. The main character, Jimmy Porter, represents this rebellious generation.

Setting

The play is set in a one-room attic flat shared by Jimmy, his wife Alison, and their friend Cliff. The furniture is old and simple, including a bed, table, chairs, and worn-out armchairs. The dull and plain setting reflects the contrast between Jimmy’s passionate ideals and the harsh realities of life.

Plot Summary

Look Back in Anger follows a well-structured format inspired by Ibsen, Strindberg, and Tennessee Williams. The story revolves around a troubled marriage and a love triangle.

Jimmy, a highly educated but unemployed young man, lives with his wife, Alison. He is full of anger and frustration, believing that the world is a terrible place for young people like him. Cliff, their friend, shares their flat and helps Jimmy run a sweet stall.

In Act I, Jimmy mocks Alison and Cliff for accepting the world as it is. In Act II, Alison’s friend Helena arrives. She convinces Alison to leave Jimmy and later takes her place in his life. In Act III, Alison returns, and Helena leaves, bringing the story full circle.

Themes

The major themes in Look Back in Anger include:

  • Alienation & Loneliness – Jimmy feels disconnected from society and struggles to find meaning.
  • Anger & Hatred – His frustration turns into constant rage against everything.
  • Apathy & Passivity – Alison and Cliff accept life as it is, unlike Jimmy.
  • Class Conflict & Identity Crisis – Jimmy, from a working-class background, resents the upper class and struggles with his place in society.

Characters

Osborne’s characters are carefully crafted, and their speech reflects their class and education.

  • Jimmy Porter – The main character, filled with anger and frustration.
  • Alison Porter – Jimmy’s wife, from an upper-middle-class family.
  • Cliff Lewis – Jimmy’s friend and business partner, who provides emotional support.
  • Helena Charles – Alison’s friend, who has an affair with Jimmy but later realizes her mistake.
  • Colonel Redfern – Alison’s father, a retired army officer with traditional values.

Conclusion

Osborne is praised for his realistic settings, vivid imagery, and powerful language. His writing broke traditional norms and left a lasting impact on British theatre. Look Back in Anger was a groundbreaking play that made Osborne one of the most influential dramatists of the 20th century.


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