Angry young men

Definition

The term 'angry young men' refers to a group of British playwrights and authors in the 1950s who expressed disillusionment and frustration with the social and political climate of post-war Britain. This movement highlighted working-class issues and focused on the gritty realities of life, often challenging traditional values and norms through their works, leading to what is known as kitchen sink realism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The angry young men emerged as a response to the rigid class system and conservative values prevalent in Britain during the 1950s.
2. Key figures associated with this movement include playwrights like John Osborne, whose play 'Look Back in Anger' is often seen as a defining work of the genre.
3. These writers often portrayed characters who were frustrated with their social conditions, expressing a desire for change and rebellion against societal norms.
4. The movement contributed to a shift in British theatre towards more realistic portrayals of working-class life, moving away from the romanticized depictions of earlier theatrical styles.
5. The anger expressed by these playwrights resonated with a generation grappling with issues such as unemployment, class struggle, and a sense of disillusionment in post-war society.

Review Questions

• How did the angry young men movement reflect the social issues of its time?
  • The angry young men movement emerged in post-war Britain as a reaction to societal discontent and frustrations stemming from class inequalities. The playwrights associated with this movement addressed themes like unemployment, class struggle, and disillusionment with traditional values. Their works brought attention to the struggles faced by the working class, making their anger a reflection of broader social issues affecting many in society during that era.
• In what ways did kitchen sink realism influence the works of the angry young men?
  • Kitchen sink realism significantly influenced the works of the angry young men by emphasizing realistic portrayals of everyday life and the struggles faced by ordinary people. This style allowed playwrights to depict raw emotions and complex characters grappling with their socio-economic realities. By embracing this form, they could challenge conventional storytelling methods, bringing working-class experiences to the forefront and creating more relatable narratives for audiences.
• Evaluate how the themes presented by the angry young men have persisted or evolved in contemporary theatre.
  • The themes presented by the angry young men continue to resonate in contemporary theatre as issues such as class inequality, social injustice, and personal identity remain relevant today. Modern playwrights draw inspiration from this movement by addressing current societal challenges while using similar gritty realism to explore human experiences. This ongoing connection highlights how art can reflect and critique societal changes, ensuring that themes of anger and discontent are still voiced in today’s theatrical landscape.

Related terms

Kitchen Sink Realism: A style of drama that presents the everyday lives of ordinary people, focusing on the struggles and challenges faced by the working class, often featuring realistic dialogue and settings.

Social Realism: An artistic movement that aims to depict everyday life, especially focusing on the struggles of the working class and marginalized groups, emphasizing social issues and injustices.

Theatre of the Absurd: A post-World War II theatre movement that highlights the absurdity of human existence through nonsensical dialogue and illogical situations, often reflecting a sense of alienation and disillusionment.