Blood Brothers is a modern tragedy by Willie Russell.
Focuses on two protagonists: twins Mickey and Edward.
Examines themes of class division and fate leading to a tragic downfall.
Key Concepts
Modern Tragedy: Features protagonists with a fatal flaw leading to their downfall.
Protagonists: Mickey and Edward (twins), and arguably, Mrs. Johnstone.
Plot Summary (Mind Map)
Act 1: Setup
Introduction to Mrs. Johnstone:
Struggling single mother.
Discovers she's pregnant with twins while already struggling with many children.
Mrs. Johnstone's Dilemma:
Works as a cleaner for Mrs. Lyons, an upper-middle-class woman unable to have children.
Mrs. Lyons proposes a deal: she will take one twin, Edward, leaving Mrs. Johnstone with Mickey.
Mrs. Johnstone reluctantly agrees.
Secret Agreement:
Both women promise to never reveal the truth to the twins.
Mrs. Lyons deceives her husband, convincing him she had their baby, Edward.
Rising Tensions:
Mrs. Johnstone continues working for and fussing over Edward; Mrs. Lyons becomes jealous.
Mrs. Lyons fires Mrs. Johnstone, severing her from seeing Edward.
Act 2: Development
Class Divide:
Johnstone and Lyons families lead very different lives.
Mickey and Edward meet and befriend each other at age 7.
Linda joins Mickey and Edward, forming a trio.
Class issues arise: Mickey's family (working-class) vs. Edward's (middle-class).
Childhood Troubles:
Children get into minor troubles like stone-throwing.
Police treat Mickey harshly and Edward leniently, highlighting class inequality.
Separation:
Mrs. Lyons moves to separate Edward from Mickey.
The Johnstones and Linda's family are rehoused; they end up in the same area as the Lyons.
Act 3: Climax
Teen Years:
As teenagers, Mickey, Linda, and Edward reconnect.
Drastic differences in their lives become apparent: Edward goes to university; Mickey struggles with poor grades and job insecurity.
Linda becomes romantically involved with Mickey and falls pregnant.
Edward harbors hidden feelings for Linda.
Economic Hardship:
Mickey marries Linda but loses his factory job, spiraling into poverty.
With no qualifications, Mickey faces a bleak future.
Desperation and Crime:
Mickey, influenced by his brother Sammy, turns to crime and gets caught.
Mickey ends up in prison, becoming depressed and addicted to antidepressants.
Act 4: Resolution
Love Triangle and Betrayal:
Mickey is emotionally distant; Linda and Edward begin an affair.
Mickey discovers the affair and, feeling betrayed and desperate, gets a gun.
Tragic Ending:
Mickey confronts Edward at his workplace intending to kill him.
Mrs. Johnstone reveals the truth about their relation to prevent the tragedy.
Mickey accidentally kills Edward; the police shoot Mickey, resulting in his death.
Themes and Analysis
Class Divide: Drastic differences in life outcomes based on social class.
Fate and Choice: The role of fate in the lives of the protagonists.
Cycle of Poverty: Mickey's struggle reflects a cycle of poverty and lack of opportunity.
Tragic Flaws:
Mickey's desperation and susceptibility to bad influences.
Mrs. Johnstone's decision to give away her son.
Edward's obliviousness to the impact of his actions.
Conclusion
Blood Brothers offers a deep reflection on class and fate, with a tragic ending highlighting social issues and the profound impact of one's environment on their destiny.