Compare how Willy Russell portrays the two mothers in "Blood Brothers". Account for the different reactions the audience will have towards the two women

Compare how Willy Russell portrays the two mothers in "Blood Brothers". Account for the different reactions the audience will have towards the two women In Willy Russell's musical "Blood Brothers" he uses contrasting character to portray his ideas on socially disadvantaged people during the 1980s. He champions the poor; he sets his musical in Liverpool where the divide is obvious. By looking at the two mothers, Mrs Lyons and Mrs Johnston the divide, socially clear. The audience first come across Mrs Johnston when she enters the stage with her back to the audience sweeping and singing. The audience's first impression of Mrs Johnson conforms to the working class stereotype and her low status. This is supported by the fact that she lives in social housing and is down trodden. The lyrics of the song contribute to this. She sings "By the time I was twenty-five, I looked forty-two..." During the song she is describing her past life and how she became pregnant "...the three months on I found myself in the club again..." Before Mrs Johnson finishes her sing, the milkman interrupts her demanding his money "...you owe me three pounds, seventeen and fourpence an' either you pay up today, like now, or I'll be forced to cut of your deliveries." Mrs Johnston is not quite sure how to reply and tires to reason with him to pay next week. The audience feel sorry for her because she cannot

  • Ranking:
  • Word count: 874
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: English
Access this essay