Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
John Osborne’s *Look Back in Anger* (1956) is widely considered a landmark play in British theatre, ushering in the era of “kitchen sink drama.” The play centers around Jimmy Porter, a young man from a middle-class background who expresses his frustration and rage through verbal attacks on his wife, Alison, and their friend, Cliff. Jimmy’s ‘anger’ isn’t merely personal; it’s a potent critique of the stagnant British society of the 1950s. This answer will explore whether Jimmy Porter’s attitude towards society is credible, given the historical context, and whether the drama provides a satisfactory resolution to his deeply-rooted discontent.
Credibility of Jimmy Porter’s Anger
Jimmy Porter’s anger is remarkably credible when viewed through the lens of post-war Britain. The play is set in a period of significant social and political upheaval. The decline of the British Empire, coupled with a rigid class structure and limited opportunities for social mobility, created a sense of disillusionment and frustration among the younger generation. Jimmy, despite his education, is trapped in a cycle of poverty and resentment, running a sweet stall while harboring intellectual aspirations.
- Class Resentment: Jimmy’s anger stems, in part, from his resentment of the upper classes, whom he perceives as privileged and out of touch. His attacks on Alison’s family are fueled by his own feelings of social inferiority.
- Post-Imperial Disillusionment: The fading glory of the British Empire is a recurring theme in the play. Jimmy’s contempt for the “posh” and his yearning for a lost sense of national pride reflect the widespread disillusionment of the time.
- Stagnation and Lack of Opportunity: The play depicts a society where social mobility is limited. Jimmy’s inability to escape his circumstances contributes to his sense of frustration and anger.
Is Jimmy’s Attitude Fully Worked Out?
While Jimmy’s anger is credible, whether it is “fully worked out” within the drama is debatable. Osborne doesn’t offer easy answers or a simplistic resolution. The play doesn’t present a clear path for Jimmy to overcome his anger or find fulfillment.
The Fourth Act and its Ambiguity
The fourth act, with Alison’s pregnancy and subsequent miscarriage, is often interpreted as a turning point. Jimmy’s initial callousness towards Alison’s pregnancy is shocking, but his subsequent grief and remorse suggest a degree of emotional growth. However, this growth is not presented as a complete transformation. The reconciliation between Jimmy and Alison feels fragile and uncertain. The play ends with a sense of uneasy truce rather than a definitive resolution.
The Role of Cliff as a Foil
Cliff, the Welsh lodger, serves as a foil to Jimmy. He represents a more pragmatic and accepting attitude towards life. Cliff’s decision to leave for Canada highlights the limited opportunities available in Britain and suggests that escape, rather than confrontation, is the only viable option for some. This further complicates the idea of a “resolution” for Jimmy.
Lack of Systemic Critique
While Jimmy critiques the superficiality of British society, his anger is largely directed at individuals rather than systemic issues. He doesn’t offer a concrete alternative to the status quo. His rage is often self-destructive and ultimately fails to bring about meaningful change.
Resolution – A Partial and Problematic Outcome
The play’s resolution is arguably incomplete and even problematic. While Jimmy and Alison remain together, their relationship is still fraught with tension. The shared trauma of the miscarriage has brought them closer, but it hasn’t eradicated the underlying issues that fueled their conflict. The ending suggests a weary acceptance of their circumstances rather than a genuine resolution of Jimmy’s anger.
| Aspect of Jimmy’s Anger | Credibility | Resolution in the Play |
|---|---|---|
| Class Resentment | High – Reflects post-war social inequalities | Partially addressed through shared trauma, but not fundamentally resolved |
| Post-Imperial Disillusionment | High – Captures the national mood of decline | Not directly addressed; remains a background tension |
| Personal Frustration | High – Due to limited opportunities | Slightly mitigated by Alison’s pregnancy (and loss), but largely unresolved |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jimmy Porter’s attitude towards society is undeniably credible, rooted in the specific socio-political context of post-war Britain. However, the play does not offer a fully worked-out or satisfying resolution to his anger. The ending is ambiguous, suggesting a fragile truce rather than a genuine transformation. Osborne’s brilliance lies in his refusal to provide easy answers, leaving the audience to grapple with the complexities of Jimmy’s character and the challenges of a changing society. The play’s enduring power stems from its honest and unflinching portrayal of disillusionment and the search for meaning in a world seemingly devoid of purpose.
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.