Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
John Osborne’s *Look Back in Anger* (1956) is widely considered a landmark play in British theatre, marking a departure from the drawing-room dramas of the past and ushering in the era of “kitchen sink realism.” The play emerged in a post-war Britain grappling with the loss of its imperial power and a sense of national identity crisis. While not explicitly about the Empire, the play subtly critiques its legacy through characters like Colonel Redfern, a figure representing the remnants of a bygone era. Redfern’s presence serves as a foil to Jimmy Porter’s rebellious energy, highlighting the clash between traditional imperial values and the anxieties of a changing Britain. This answer will explore the relevance of Colonel Redfern to Osborne’s broader critique of the British Empire.
The Context: Post-War Britain and the Decline of Empire
The period following World War II witnessed a rapid dismantling of the British Empire. India gained independence in 1947, followed by numerous other colonies throughout the 1950s and 60s. This loss of power led to a national identity crisis in Britain, as the country struggled to redefine its role in the world. Osborne’s play reflects this societal anxiety, portraying a generation disillusioned with traditional values and searching for new meaning in a rapidly changing world. The play doesn’t directly address colonial politics, but the shadow of the Empire looms large, influencing the characters’ attitudes and relationships.
Colonel Redfern: A Symbol of Imperial Decline
Colonel Redfern is a retired army officer who represents the fading glory of the British Empire. He embodies the traditional values of duty, honour, and stoicism, characteristics associated with the imperial project. However, in the context of the play, these values appear outdated and irrelevant. He is presented as a somewhat pathetic figure, clinging to memories of past grandeur while struggling to adapt to the realities of post-war Britain.
Redfern’s Characterization
- Stoicism and Reserve: Redfern is characterized by his emotional restraint and adherence to a strict code of conduct. This stoicism, while admirable in a soldier, is presented as a barrier to genuine connection in the domestic sphere.
- Nostalgia for the Past: He frequently reminisces about his experiences in the army, particularly his time in Malaysia, idealizing the colonial past. This nostalgia reveals his inability to accept the changing world.
- Social Disconnect: Redfern struggles to understand Jimmy Porter’s anger and frustration, viewing him as a rebellious and ungrateful young man. This disconnect highlights the generational gap and the clash between different value systems.
The Relationship Between Redfern and Jimmy Porter
The dynamic between Redfern and Jimmy Porter is central to Osborne’s critique. Jimmy’s relentless attacks on Redfern are not simply personal animosity; they represent a rejection of the values that Redfern embodies. Jimmy sees Redfern as a symbol of everything that is wrong with British society – its class system, its hypocrisy, and its imperial past.
Jimmy’s Critique of Redfern
- Rejection of Imperial Glory: Jimmy mocks Redfern’s military career and his nostalgic tales of the Empire, dismissing them as irrelevant and self-serving.
- Exposure of Hypocrisy: Jimmy challenges Redfern’s moral authority, exposing the contradictions between his professed values and his actions.
- Assertion of a New Identity: By attacking Redfern, Jimmy is attempting to forge a new identity for himself, one that is free from the constraints of the past.
Redfern as a Representation of the Empire’s Legacy
Redfern’s presence in the play serves as a constant reminder of the Empire’s legacy. His inability to connect with Alison and Jimmy reflects the Empire’s failure to understand and respect the cultures it colonized. His stoicism and reserve symbolize the emotional repression that characterized the imperial project. Furthermore, his reliance on outdated social norms highlights the Empire’s resistance to change.
| Character | Symbolism |
|---|---|
| Colonel Redfern | Fading Imperial Power, Outdated Values, Stoicism |
| Jimmy Porter | Post-War Disillusionment, Rejection of Tradition, Search for Identity |
Osborne doesn’t offer a simplistic condemnation of the Empire. Instead, he presents a complex and nuanced portrayal of its legacy, acknowledging its impact on British society while also exposing its flaws. Redfern is not a villain, but a victim of circumstance, a man struggling to find his place in a world that has moved on.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Colonel Redfern is a crucial element in Osborne’s critique of the British Empire. He embodies the fading glory of a bygone era and represents the outdated values that are being challenged by a new generation. Through the dynamic between Redfern and Jimmy Porter, Osborne exposes the contradictions and hypocrisies of the imperial project, highlighting its lasting impact on British society. While *Look Back in Anger* is not a directly political play, its subtle critique of the Empire’s legacy remains relevant today, prompting us to reflect on the complexities of colonialism and its enduring consequences.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.