e without privilege. In Act I, he sarcastically says:
“Let’s pretend that we’re human beings, and that we’re actually alive.”
This line shows his bitterness toward the dull and lifeless middle-class world. Jimmy feels trapped in a society where his intelligence and passion cannot find purpose. His anger against the class system defines his character.
Loss of Purpose and Social Inequality: Jimmy often complains that his generation has no great causes to fight for. Earlier generations fought in wars, but he feels stuck in boredom. In Act I, he says:
“I suppose people like me aren't supposed to be very patriotic.”
This line shows his disillusionment and lack of pride. For him, the class system keeps people like him powerless, while the upper class continues to enjoy comfort. Jimmy’s frustration symbolizes the broken dreams of many working-class men after World War II.
Marriage as a Symbol of Class Conflict: The marriage between Jimmy and Alison is central to the play. Jimmy comes from a lower-middle-class background, while Alison belongs to an upper-class family. Their union is not based only on love but also on class struggle. Alison herself admits in Act II:
“Some people do actually marry for revenge.”
This shocking confession shows that their marriage partly came out of Jimmy’s desire to hurt Alison’s family. Love is destroyed by bitterness and prejudice. Their constant fights show how class barriers create personal tragedies.
Alison and Colonel Redfern – The Other Side of Class: Alison and her father, Colonel Redfern, represent the higher class. Colonel Redfern struggles with the fact that Britain has changed, while Jimmy is hurt because life feels the same. In Act II, Scene II, Alison explains:
“You’re hurt because everything is changed. Jimmy is hurt because everything is the same.”
This line beautifully captures the conflict of generations and classes. Alison stands between her father’s old values and Jimmy’s frustrated rebellion. it shows how class differences tear families apart.
Cruelty and Suffering: Jimmy’s cruelty toward Alison is also linked to class tension. In Act I, he cruelly says:
“If you could have a child, and it would die... if only I could watch you face that.”
These bitter words come from his own pain of watching his father die when he was young. But they also reflect his anger toward Alison’s privileged background. Tragically, Alison later loses her child, which shows how class bitterness can destroy happiness.
In short, “Look Back in Anger” is not only a family drama but also a strong play about class distinction. Through Jimmy and Alison’s struggles, Osborne shows how class conflict shapes love, marriage, and identity in post-war Britain.
Continue Reading
Subscribe to access the full content
Upgrade to Premium