Look Back in Anger

Definition

Look Back in Anger is a groundbreaking play by John Osborne, first performed in 1956, that became a defining work of the Angry Young Men movement and kitchen sink realism. The play centers around the discontent of the working class, showcasing the struggles and frustrations of its protagonist, Jimmy Porter, who embodies a raw and honest portrayal of post-war British society. The play's focus on real-life issues, personal angst, and socio-political commentary marked a significant departure from traditional theatre conventions of its time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The character Jimmy Porter is often seen as a representation of youthful anger and frustration, embodying the post-war disillusionment experienced by many young men in Britain.
2. The play's setting primarily takes place in a modest flat in the Midlands, emphasizing the gritty realities of working-class life and the struggles within intimate relationships.
3. Look Back in Anger is considered a catalyst for change in British theatre, paving the way for more authentic portrayals of working-class life and emotional experiences.
4. Osborne's use of colloquial language and raw dialogue added to the realism of the characters' experiences, making their struggles more relatable to audiences.
5. The play sparked conversations about class division and gender roles in post-war Britain, making it not just a theatrical work but also a reflection of societal tensions during that era.

Review Questions

• How does Look Back in Anger reflect the themes associated with the Angry Young Men movement?
  • Look Back in Anger exemplifies the Angry Young Men movement through its raw portrayal of frustration with social inequality and class divisions. The character Jimmy Porter embodies this anger as he challenges societal norms and expresses his discontent with his circumstances. The play's focus on real-life issues like economic struggle and emotional turmoil resonates with the movement's goal of giving voice to the marginalized working class.
• In what ways does Look Back in Anger serve as an example of kitchen sink realism?
  • Look Back in Anger serves as a prime example of kitchen sink realism by presenting an unfiltered view of everyday life for working-class individuals. The play strips away theatrical glamor to reveal the struggles faced by its characters, particularly in their domestic environments. The gritty realism depicted through dialogue, setting, and character interactions highlights social issues and personal conflicts typical of this genre.
• Evaluate how Look Back in Anger has influenced contemporary theatre and its approach to representing social issues.
  • Look Back in Anger has had a profound impact on contemporary theatre by encouraging playwrights to tackle social issues with authenticity and emotional depth. Its influence can be seen in later works that prioritize realistic portrayals of ordinary life and explore complex themes such as class struggle and gender dynamics. The play's legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists to challenge societal norms through storytelling that reflects genuine human experiences.

Related terms

Angry Young Men: A group of British playwrights and authors in the 1950s who expressed social discontent and dissatisfaction with the status quo through their works, challenging the established norms of literature and theatre.

Kitchen Sink Realism: A style of drama that emerged in the 1950s, characterized by its focus on the everyday lives of ordinary people, often highlighting social issues, working-class struggles, and emotional realism.

Social Realism: An artistic movement that seeks to represent social conditions and issues in a realistic manner, often focusing on the lives of marginalized or working-class individuals.