Spring and Port WineThis play was performed in 1969 and still stands the test of time

The character of Daisy is a strong contrast from that of Rafe. Daisy is kind, sensible and a motherly figure. Bill Naughton has clearly defined the way he want us to view Daisy. She is the typical housewife of forty years ago. She does not work; she just manages the household and cares for her children. Her family is the most important thing in her life and she would do anything for them. The quote 'She can't go to London broke. She must have something' shows that Daisy worries that her child would be penniless and homeless in the streets of London. The character of Daisy is also easily influenced by others and does not seem very strong willed. When Hilda decides she doesn't want the herring Daisy says 'It's alright love - won't take me a minute to fry an egg' this indicates that although she spent he time cooking that herring, she doesn't feel offended that Daisy refuses to eat it. She only wants to please. Another example of Daisy's devotion to her family is when she confesses everything to Rafe. We can tell that she must have been feeling very guilty to confess and show her wrongdoing.

Hilda Crompton is described as being 'Fresh and gay' and 'Her fathers favourite'. These views seem to be accurate although Hilda is also very strong willed, just like her father. It is not made clear in the play if Hilda is pregnant or not. If she is it gives her good reason for

refusing to eat the herring. The quote 'I don't feel like it ... I'm entitled to some choice' shows that Hilda is not going to let her father force her into doing something she doesn't want to do. Unfortunately, her father is not prepared to back down either. After two days of tension and drama Hilda decided to eat the herring. In doing so she let her father win. This shows how much she detested the family feud. Near the end of the play Hilda decides to leave home which shows how much she has come to loath the way in which her father domineers the household. I feel sorry for the character of Hilda because she lives in the family home, but doesn't get treated like a member of the family.

Harold and Wilfred are not as determined as either of their sisters. Harold constantly complains about his fathers attitude when Rafe is not around but when his father is present he does not voice his complaints. However, sometimes Harold uses his sense of humour to get the better of his dad. The quote 'Who does he <Rafe> think he is?' shows that Harold is fed up of Rafe and talks about him behind his back. Wilfred is the baby of the family and doesn't seem to be the most mature either. Wilfred complicates the Hilda and Rafe argument by feeding the herring to the cat. Although he thought nothing of disposing of the herring he doesn't dare swear on the bible that he is innocent. 'No! No! No, dad...' This quote shows just how much Rafe has wound Wilfred up and how panicked Wilf feels.

Although not a major feature in the play, Betsy Jane is a strong and influential character. The quote 'Do try to wangle me five pounds' shows Betsy Jane's persistence in asking for money from Daisy. This event affects the latter part of the play because Daisy cannot make the accounts add up. Betsy Jane also persuades Daisy to pawn in Rafes coat and break into his desk to steal money. Both of these events make the ending more explosive.

We do not learn as much about Florence as we do about some of the other characters in this play. We do, however, know that she cares a great deal about her family. When Florence's boyfriend, Arthur, proposes marriage to her she is unsure about what to do. The quote 'I've got to think it over, haven't I? I don't believe in rushing into things.' Shows her indecision. She eventually agrees to marry Arthur and leave home. Florence also feels strongly for Rafe and she sticks up for him. One day, when Rafe comes home from work and the other children are not being particularly pleasant Florence tries to help. 'Here are your slippers, dad.' Florence seems to be the only child who truly appreciates the way Rafe behaves and loves him for it.

Bill Naughton is very clear about the way he wants the Crompton household to be seen. In the first description of the set he tells us 'the house is comfortable and prosperous. There is nothing cheap or vulgar'. This immediately affects the way we view the Cromptons because if the house was cheaply decorated and tastelessly furnished we would think the family who lived there were a cheap sort of family.

Families have changed a lot over the past forty years. Children no longer show such respect for their elders and can be rebellious and moody. Children also get into trouble at a younger age with smoking, drinking and drug taking on the increase. The way in which the family operates has changed dramatically. In many families it is the woman who earns the bulk of the money in the household. Men and women compete for jobs on a more equal basis with qualifications being more important than sex. Sexual attitudes have changed the most over the last forty years. In the time of Spring And Port Wine marriage was considered to be for life, whereas now nearly half of all relationships end in divorce, even if the families have children.

I think that the story of the Crompton family is also a story of the average family forty years ago. I have looked at the characters in Spring and Port Wine and tried to find out what makes this play as popular now as it was thirty years ago.

Lisa Clarkson Page 1 of 3