Discuss the way in which Romantic and Modernist conceptions of character are combined in the presentation of Jimmy as the play's protagonist. (MEG 104) (UNIT 2 THE CHARACTERS)

The play "Look Back in Anger" by John Osborne presents Jimmy Porter as the protagonist who embodies a combination of Romantic and Modernist conceptions of character. The play was written in the 1950s and is considered a seminal work in British literature, as it explores the changing social and cultural landscape of post-war Britain.

At its core, the Romantic conception of character is focused on the individual's emotions, imagination, and subjective experience. It emphasizes the importance of passion, intuition, and creativity. On the other hand, the Modernist conception of character is more concerned with the fragmentation of the self, the disillusionment with traditional values, and the struggle to find meaning in a chaotic and uncertain world.

Jimmy Porter embodies both of these conceptions of character. On the one hand, he is a passionate and emotional character who is deeply invested in his relationships and experiences. He is deeply in love with his wife Alison, and his anger and frustration at her emotional distance are a central theme of the play. Jimmy is also an artist, and his love of jazz music and his passion for acting reflect his Romantic sensibilities.

On the other hand, Jimmy's character is also characterized by his disillusionment with traditional values and his struggle to find meaning in a world that he sees as lacking in authenticity and purpose. He is highly critical of the British class system, and his bitterness and anger at the injustices he perceives are a driving force behind his actions. Jimmy's character also embodies the Modernist theme of fragmentation, as his feelings of isolation and disconnection from the world around him are a constant presence throughout the play.

In combining these two conceptions of character, John Osborne creates a complex and multi-dimensional protagonist in Jimmy Porter. His passionate and creative side is juxtaposed with his disillusionment and sense of alienation, creating a character who is both sympathetic and deeply flawed. Through Jimmy's struggles, the play explores the larger themes of social inequality, class conflict, and the search for meaning in a changing world.