John Osborne’s Look Back in Anger, first performed in 1956, is considered a landmark in British theatre. The play marked the emergence of the “Angry Young Men” movement, a group of post-World War II writers who rejected the status quo and critiqued the complacency in British society. Osborne’s work broke away from the well-mannered, polished dramas that dominated British theatre at the time, offering a raw, emotional, and often uncomfortable portrayal of the struggles of the working class.
The central theme of Look Back in Anger revolves around disillusionment, frustration, and the search for meaning in a post-war world. The play delves into the personal and societal challenges of individuals caught between personal desires, anger, and the frustrations of a changing world. It questions the complacency of the middle class and examines the complexities of relationships, particularly within marriage.
Summary of the Play
Look Back in Anger is set in a small, cluttered flat in the Midlands of England, where the main character, Jimmy Porter, lives with his wife, Alison, and her friend, Helena. The play explores the dynamics of their relationships, particularly Jimmy’s anger and dissatisfaction with his life and marriage.
- Jimmy Porter is a highly educated but bitter and disillusioned man. He has a deep sense of anger, which he often directs at those closest to him, including his wife, Alison, whom he belittles and insults regularly. Jimmy’s anger stems from his frustration with his inability to find fulfillment in his personal life, his lack of career success, and his general disillusionment with the world around him.
- Alison Porter, Jimmy’s wife, is the more passive character in the play. She is from a well-to-do family, and her marriage to Jimmy has been marked by a sense of duty rather than passion. She often tolerates Jimmy’s verbal abuse and tries to keep the peace, but her emotional distance from him grows over the course of the play.
- Helena is a friend of Alison’s, who becomes involved with the Porters’ troubled marriage. Initially, she is sympathetic to Alison, but as she spends more time with Jimmy, she becomes drawn to his complex, charismatic personality. Her involvement in the relationship ultimately adds another layer of tension to the already strained dynamics.
The play’s key conflict arises from Jimmy’s constant dissatisfaction with his life, which leads him to lash out at everyone around him, particularly Alison. His anger toward his wife escalates as Alison’s unresolved emotional state and the arrival of Helena complicate the situation. The play concludes with a glimpse of the possibility of reconciliation between Jimmy and Alison, though it remains ambiguous.
Key Plot Details
- Jimmy’s Anger and Disillusionment: The play opens with Jimmy’s tirades and constant verbal attacks on Alison. His frustrations are not just with his wife but with society at large, as he feels alienated and disconnected from the world around him. His anger is a recurring motif throughout the play.
- Marriage Troubles: The deterioration of Jimmy and Alison’s marriage is central to the plot. Alison is pregnant, and her inability to cope with Jimmy’s abuse leads to her decision to leave him temporarily. Their relationship is marked by emotional violence and a lack of communication.
- Helena’s Role: Helena, Alison’s friend, serves as a catalyst in the play. Her decision to stay with the Porters exacerbates the already tense environment. She brings a different perspective to the situation, complicating the dynamics further as she becomes entangled in the emotional turmoil between Jimmy and Alison.
- Climactic Confrontation: The climax of the play comes when Jimmy and Alison face each other over their broken marriage. Alison’s return and Jimmy’s self-destructive behavior clash in a final confrontation that leaves their relationship unresolved but offers a faint glimmer of hope for the future.
Settings of the Play
The play is set in a small, cluttered flat, which reflects the characters’ inner turmoil and lack of space—both literally and metaphorically. The flat serves as a confined space for the emotional chaos that unfolds within its walls. The setting emphasizes the isolation and disconnection of the characters from the wider world and from each other.
Class Activities for Look Back in Anger
- Character Role Play: Have students take on the roles of the main characters, particularly Jimmy and Alison, and act out key scenes of confrontation between the couple. This exercise will help students understand the psychological complexities of the characters and how their emotions drive the plot.
- Debate on Anger: Organize a debate on whether Jimmy’s anger is justified or merely an excuse for his self-destructive behavior. Encourage students to use quotes from the play to support their arguments.
- Modern vs. Traditional Relationships: Discuss how Jimmy and Alison’s relationship reflects the changing dynamics of relationships in post-war Britain. Students can compare this to modern-day relationships and societal expectations.
- Character Comparison: Have students compare and contrast Jimmy with other “angry young men” in literature. This could include characters from works like The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger or A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams.
- Symbolism Exploration: Assign students to identify and analyze the symbols in the play, such as the flat, the teddy bear, and the thunderstorm. Discuss how these symbols represent emotional states or themes of the play.
Class Assignments for Look Back in Anger
- Essay on Jimmy’s Anger: Write an essay analyzing the role of anger in Jimmy’s character. Discuss how his anger shapes his relationships and drives the plot forward. Use examples from the play to support your argument.
- Character Study of Alison: Write a character analysis of Alison, focusing on her emotional journey throughout the play. How does she cope with Jimmy’s anger, and what does her character reveal about the role of women in post-war British society?
- Theme Analysis of Alienation: Write a paper on the theme of alienation in Look Back in Anger. How do the characters experience alienation, both personally and socially, and how does this contribute to the play’s conflict?
- The Role of Gender in the Play: Analyze the gender dynamics between Jimmy, Alison, and Helena. How does Jimmy’s treatment of Alison reflect societal attitudes towards gender roles during the time period?
- Reimagining the Ending: Imagine a different ending for the play where Jimmy and Alison reconcile. Write an alternative ending and discuss how it changes the overall themes and messages of the play.
Conclusion
Look Back in Anger remains one of John Osborne’s most influential plays, offering an uncompromising portrayal of anger, frustration, and the complexities of human relationships. Its characters, particularly Jimmy Porter, have become iconic symbols of the post-war generation’s struggles with societal expectations and personal disillusionment. The play continues to resonate with audiences today, as its themes of alienation, anger, and the quest for meaning in a changing world remain ever-relevant.
