Saturday Night and Sunday Morning

Definition

Saturday Night and Sunday Morning is a novel by Alan Sillitoe published in 1958 that explores the themes of post-war disillusionment and the search for identity in a rapidly changing society. It reflects the struggles of working-class youth in industrial England, capturing their dissatisfaction with conventional life and their existential quests. This narrative vividly portrays the tension between personal aspirations and societal expectations, echoing the broader sentiments of disillusionment that followed World War II.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The protagonist, Arthur Seaton, embodies the working-class youth's struggle against societal constraints and expectations, leading to his rebellion against traditional values.
2. The novel's title signifies the duality of life experiences, representing both the revelry associated with Saturday night and the sober reality faced on Sunday morning.
3. The narrative showcases the impact of industrialization on personal lives, highlighting themes of alienation and the quest for individual identity in a conformist society.
4. Sillitoe’s use of colloquial language and vivid descriptions brings authenticity to Arthur’s experiences, making his story relatable to readers from similar backgrounds.
5. The work is often regarded as a key text in post-war British literature that captures the essence of disillusionment during the 1950s, influencing later literary movements.

Review Questions

• How does Arthur Seaton's character reflect the themes of post-war disillusionment and existentialism?
  • Arthur Seaton's character is a representation of post-war disillusionment, as he grapples with feelings of frustration towards societal norms and expectations. His rebellious actions, such as engaging in affairs and defying authority, showcase an existential struggle for personal freedom amidst a bleak reality. Sillitoe paints Arthur's journey as one filled with conflict between his desires and the rigid structures around him, mirroring the broader themes of existential angst present in literature following World War II.
• In what ways does 'Saturday Night and Sunday Morning' utilize elements of Kitchen Sink Realism to portray working-class life?
  • 'Saturday Night and Sunday Morning' employs elements of Kitchen Sink Realism by depicting the raw and gritty aspects of working-class life in industrial England. Sillitoe focuses on the everyday struggles faced by characters like Arthur Seaton, capturing their frustrations with mundane jobs, financial hardships, and societal limitations. The realistic portrayal of their environment adds depth to their experiences, emphasizing how these factors contribute to feelings of alienation and dissatisfaction within a rapidly changing society.
• Evaluate how 'Saturday Night and Sunday Morning' contributes to the discourse around identity and rebellion in post-war British literature.
  • 'Saturday Night and Sunday Morning' significantly contributes to discussions surrounding identity and rebellion by challenging conventional narratives about working-class life. Sillitoe presents a protagonist who actively resists societal norms, symbolizing a broader generational struggle against conformity in post-war Britain. The novel highlights how individuals navigate their identities amidst external pressures, encouraging readers to reflect on the nature of freedom and self-discovery. This discourse became foundational for later works that continued to explore themes of personal agency within a socio-political context.

Related terms

Kitchen Sink Realism: A style of British drama and literature that emerged in the late 1950s, characterized by its focus on the everyday lives of working-class characters and their struggles against social and economic issues.

Existentialism: A philosophical movement emphasizing individual freedom, choice, and responsibility, often exploring themes of meaninglessness and the absurdity of life.

Angry Young Men: A group of British playwrights and novelists in the 1950s who expressed their frustration with the status quo, focusing on social issues and the disillusionment of post-war society.