Willy Russell "Blood Brothers"

Introduction

Great plays are full of dramatic plots and convincing characters, but examination questions will require you to demonstrate your understanding of “Blood Brothers” by focusing on how Russell presents one key aspect or theme throughout the script. All of your thoughts and ideas should only refer to the key term of the essay title.

Mrs Johnstone

With reference to the ways Russell presents Mrs Johnstone in the play, show how far you agree that she is admirable.
With reference to the ways Russell presents Mrs Johnstone in the play, show how far you agree that Mrs Johnstone cannot control what happens in her life.
With reference to the ways Russell presents the Johnstone family, show that Mrs Johnstone and the children she brings up at home cannot escape the problems of their lives.
With reference to the way Russell presents Mrs Johnstone, show how far you agree that she is weak-willed.
With reference to the way Russell presents Mrs Johnstone, show how far you agree that she is trying to escape from the reality of her life.

Mickey

With reference to the ways Russell presents Mickey in “Blood Brothers”, show how far you agree that he cannot control what happens to him.

Edward

With reference to the ways Russell presents Edward, show how far you would agree that Edward is generous and considerate.
With reference to the ways Russell presents Edward, show how far you would agree that Edward is someone to be admired.

The Twins

With reference to the ways Russell presents events in the play, show how far you agree that the deaths of Mickey and Edward are shocking.
With reference to the ways Russell presents the events in the play, show who you think is most to blame for the deaths of the twins.

Mrs Lyons

With reference to the ways Russell presents Mrs Lyons, to what extent do you agree that she only cares about herself.
With reference to the ways Russell presents Mrs Lyons, show how far you agree that her motivations are driven by self-interest.
With reference to the ways Russell presents Mrs Lyons in the play, show how far you agree that Mrs Lyons may be both pitied and disliked.
With reference to the ways Russell presents Mrs Lyons in “Blood Brothers”, show how far you would agree that Mrs Lyons deserves to be pitied.

Linda

With reference to the ways Russell presents Linda, show how far you agree that Linda should be pitied.
With reference to the ways Russell presents Linda in the play, show how far you would agree that Linda is able to control her life.

Themes

With reference to the ways Russell presents superstition, show how far you would agree that superstition influences the lives of the characters.
With reference to the ways Russell presents the lives of the characters, show how far you agree that money is the sole cause of their problems.
With reference to the ways Russell presents Mrs Johnstone, Mrs Lyons and Linda, show that these female characters have difficulties in their lives. Do you sympathize with these characters? Give reasons for your opinions.
With reference to the ways Russell presents class differences in the extract and elsewhere in the play, show how far you agree that class differences between Mickey and Edward cause their friendship to fail.
With reference to the ways Russell presents friendship in “Blood Brothers”, show how far you would agree that friendship is destroyed by class differences.
With reference to the way Russell presents the events in the play, show how far you agree that the story is shocking.