A Taste of Honey - Revision Guide

Shelagh Delaney

• Born November 25, 1939, in Salford, Lancashire, England.
• From an English working-class background.
• Left school to work various jobs before becoming a playwright.

The Play: A Taste of Honey

• Written by Delaney at 18; initially a novel, rewritten as a play.
• A response to contemporary theatre dissatisfaction; aimed for realistic dialogue.
• Opened to mixed reviews but praised for realistic characters.
• Focuses on working-class life and social protest.

Theatre Context

Theatre of the Absurd/Social Drama

• Emerged in the 1950s/60s.
• Absurd theatre depicted life as meaningless.
• Social drama focused on working-class and younger generation issues.
• Features controversial themes like interracial relationships and homosexuality.

Angry Young Men

• A group of British writers expressing disillusionment with postwar English society.
• Delaney's work aligns with their themes but she didn't intend to join the movement.

Kitchen Sink Theatre

• Focused on domestic settings to explore social/class issues.
• "A Taste of Honey" fits this category, portraying working-class struggles.

1950s/1960s Culture

• Economic boom post-rationing led to a social revolution emphasizing youth culture.
• Political shift towards the left due to events like the Suez Crisis.

Morality and Social Change

• Recognition of teenagers in consumerism.
• Important shifts in fashion, music, contraception, and TV influence.
• 1957's Wolfenden report began decriminalizing homosexuality.

Character and Plot Development

Act 1 Scene 2

• Introduction of 'The Boy' who fathers Jo's child.
• Jo's casual engagement and her mother Helen's decision to marry Peter.
• Themes of racial acceptance and personal ambition.

Act 2 Scene 1

• Jo's pregnancy and friendship with Geof, a homosexual man.
• Geof's influence and Helen's return, causing tension.
• Illustrates Jo's lack of prejudice and her complex relationship with Helen.
• Helen's racism and alcoholism highlighted.

Character Analysis

Helen

• Not a prostitute but enjoys life without consequences.
• Prejudiced, alcoholic, and dependent on men for money.
• Complex relationship with Jo: caring at times, abusive at others.

Jo

• Evolves from schoolgirl to expectant mother.
• Inherits some of Helen's weaknesses but shows more morality and affection.
• Struggles with identity, independence, and her tumultuous relationship with her mother.

Peter

• A character with no redeeming qualities.
• Abusive, drunk, womanizer.
• Marries Helen for unclear reasons despite her flaws.

The Boy (Jimmie)

• Brief role; fathers Jo's child.
• Cheerful and loving but unreliable.

Geof

• Jo's friend, supports her during pregnancy.
• Represents a non-judgmental and caring presence.

Themes

Loneliness

• Affects all characters: Jo, Helen, Peter, Geof.
• Motivates actions and relationships.

Growing Up

• Jo's journey reflects teenage confusion and struggle for independence.
• Juxtaposed with Helen's marriage and adult responsibilities.

Death and Darkness

• Symbolic settings and actions remind of life's harsh realities.

Title Significance

• Reference to the Book of Samuel, suggesting characters pay for their happiness.
• Jimmie and Geof provide Jo with physical and emotional 'taste of honey.'

Views of 1950s Society

• Contrasting perspectives on morality, sex, and relationships.
• Highlights gender disparities in societal expectations.

Revision Tips

• Use Point, Evidence, Explain (PEE) structure.
• Memorize key quotes and analyze language for deeper meaning.
• Contextualize responses to 1950s societal norms.