How do the characters in Look Back in Anger function as 'sites' for a discussion of class and/or gender ? (MEG 104) (UNIT 2 THE CHARACTERS)

The characters in "Look Back in Anger" function as "sites" for a discussion of class and gender in several ways.

First, the play explores the tensions and divisions between the working-class characters, such as Jimmy and Cliff, and the upper-class characters, such as Alison and her family. The class differences are portrayed through the characters' speech, behavior, and attitudes. For example, Jimmy's resentment towards Alison's upper-class background and her family's condescension towards him are highlighted in their interactions. Additionally, Jimmy's work as a market stall trader and Cliff's work as a deckchair attendant are used to underscore the economic and social inequality that exists between the working-class and upper-class characters. These tensions are used to raise questions about the role of class in shaping identity and experience.

Second, the play also explores the gender dynamics that exist between the male and female characters. The female characters, Alison and Helena, are presented as struggling to find their place in a male-dominated society. They are subject to the control and manipulation of the male characters, who often use emotional and psychological abuse to maintain their power. For example, Jimmy's emotional abuse of Alison is a recurring theme in the play, and his behavior is often justified by his sense of emasculation and frustration. Additionally, Helena's role as a former actress and her relationships with Jimmy and Alison are used to explore the tension between traditional gender roles and the changing expectations of women in post-war Britain.

Overall, the characters in "Look Back in Anger" function as "sites" for a discussion of class and gender by highlighting the ways in which these social and cultural forces shape individual identity and experience. Through their interactions and relationships, the play raises important questions about the role of class and gender in shaping power dynamics, social inequality, and personal identity.