Blood Brothers: Themes

Key Themes

1. Social Class, Money and Inequality
2. Superstition and Fate
3. Violence
4. Nature vs Nurture

Social Class, Money and Inequality

Blood Brothers critically examines the deep social divisions and inequalities present in society. The play portrays how the class system determines the lives of the characters, particularly focusing on the stark differences between the lives of the twin brothers, Mickey and Edward, who are separated at birth and raised in drastically different economic environments. Willy Russell uses their story to explore how social class affects every aspect of life, from education and employment to personal relationships and opportunities.

Key examples:

5. Mickey and Edward's Upbringings: Mickey grows up in a working-class environment, facing poverty, limited opportunities, and the constant threat of unemployment, which eventually leads him to crime and despair. In contrast, Edward is raised in a wealthy household, enjoying privileges such as private education and financial security. This disparity in their upbringings highlights the impact of social class on their destinies.
6. Mrs Johnstone and Mrs Lyons: The contrast between Mrs Johnstone and Mrs Lyons underscores the inequality in society. Mrs Johnstone, a struggling working-class mother, is forced to give up one of her children due to financial constraints. Meanwhile, Mrs. Lyons, who is wealthy but emotionally unstable, manipulates the situation to her advantage, reflecting how the upper class can exploit the vulnerabilities of the poor.

Superstition and Fate

Superstition and fate are recurring themes in Blood Brothers, used by Russell to explore the characters' belief in the inevitability of their circumstances. The play suggests that while the characters believe their fates are sealed by superstitions, it is actually their social conditions and the decisions they make that determine their destinies. The use of superstition in the play also highlights how fear and ignorance can be manipulated by those in power.

Key examples:

7. The Superstition about the Twins: Mrs. Lyons exploits Mrs. Johnstone's superstitious nature by telling her that if the twins ever discover they are brothers, they will both die. This fabricated superstition becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, as the fear it generates leads to actions that ultimately bring about the tragic ending. Superstition is a tool used to control and manipulate, reflecting the power dynamics at play.
8. The Role of the Narrator: The Narrator frequently references various superstitions and omens throughout the play, creating a sense of inevitability and doom. He serves as a constant reminder of the tragic fate awaiting the characters but also prompts the audience to question whether the tragedy is truly due to fate or the result of societal forces and personal choices.

Violence

Violence permeates Blood Brothers and serves as both a literal and symbolic representation of the social and emotional turmoil experienced by the characters. The play portrays violence as an inevitable outcome of the deep-seated anger and frustration bred by social inequality and hopelessness. The escalation of violence throughout the play reflects the growing tensions between the characters and the destructive consequences of their circumstances.

Key examples:

9. Childhood Games: The early scenes of the play feature Mickey, Edward, and their friends engaging in violent games, pretending to shoot each other with toy guns. These seemingly innocent games foreshadow the real violence that will later dominate their lives, suggesting that violence is ingrained in their environment from a young age.
10. Mickey's Downfall: After losing his job and becoming addicted to antidepressants, Mickey's life spirals out of control. His sense of betrayal and powerlessness culminates in the violent confrontation with Edward, where he accidentally shoots his brother. This act of violence is the tragic culmination of the pressures and inequalities that have shaped Mickey's life, emphasising how social conditions can drive individuals to destructive actions.

Nature vs. Nurture

This theme explores the influence of genetics (nature) versus upbringing and environment (nurture) on an individual's personality and fate. The play delves into whether the differences in Mickey and Edward's lives are due to their inherent nature as twins or the vastly different environments in which they are raised.

Key examples:

11. Mickey and Edward's Similarities: Despite being raised in completely different circumstances, Mickey and Edward share many similarities in personality, such as their kindness and honesty, which suggest that nature plays a significant role in shaping who they are.
12. Impact of Environment: The stark differences in their lives—Mickey's struggles with poverty, crime, and addiction versus Edward's privileged, carefree life—highlight the powerful influence of nurture, showing how environment and upbringing significantly impact their paths.