Do the social and economic realities of Britain in the 1950s find expression, direct or indirect, in Look Back in Anger ? If so, how ? (MEG 104) (UNIT 1 BACKGROUND TO THE PLAY)

Yes, the social and economic realities of Britain in the 1950s do find expression in Look Back in Anger, both directly and indirectly.

The play, written by John Osborne and first performed in 1956, is set in post-World War II England, a time of great social and economic change. At this time, Britain was experiencing the aftermath of the war, including the rationing of food and other goods, a shortage of housing, and a struggling economy. The play reflects these realities through its depiction of the lives of its working-class characters, who are struggling to make ends meet and facing limited opportunities for social mobility.

One way the play addresses these realities directly is through the character of Jimmy Porter, the play's protagonist. Jimmy is a young man from a working-class background who is frustrated with his limited opportunities in life. He expresses his anger and disillusionment with the status quo in long, impassioned monologues, railing against the government, the class system, and the injustices he sees around him. Jimmy's anger and frustration are a direct response to the social and economic realities of the time, and his character serves as a mouthpiece for the disenfranchised working class.

The play also addresses these realities indirectly through its portrayal of relationships and social norms. For example, Jimmy's relationship with his upper-class wife Alison reflects the tension between different social classes in post-war Britain. Alison's family is wealthy and privileged, while Jimmy comes from a working-class background. Their marriage is strained by their class differences and their inability to understand each other's experiences.

In conclusion, Look Back in Anger does indeed find expression, both directly and indirectly, in the social and economic realities of Britain in the 1950s. The play serves as a powerful reflection of the struggles and frustrations of the working class during a time of great change and upheaval in British society.