plot summary/songs Flashcards
to learn and understand the plot of blood brothers and the order events occur
what is the opening scene of blood brothers?
Mrs Johnstone says “tell me its not true” “say its just a story”. Cyclical structure by opening the play with final scene which suggests the inevitability of the tragedy.
The first song Mrs Johnstone sings
Marilyn Monroe. introduces Mrs Johnstone as a victim of circumstance who is trapped in the cycle of poverty.
My child
sets a contrast between the working class Mrs Johnstone and and the bourgeoisie Mrs Lyons. It tells us how Mrs Lyons has more to offer the child and will gjve it a better life
Easy terms
Mrs johnstone returns from hospital to find her possesions taken away and Mrs Lyons comes to take one of the twins. “living on the never, never” tells us how she is powerless in the situation as she doesnt have the money.
shoes upon the table
tension increases as Mrs Lyons tells her she will never see Edward again and the twins will die if they meet. Superstition.
kids game
Mickey, Linda and Sammy play cowboys and Indians and the GUN MOTIF appears.
Gypsies in the wood
the two boys play together and get in trouble with the police. Mrs Lyons becomes paranoid and tells Mr Lyons they must leave. Mrs johnstone gives eddie a locket.
long Sunday afternoon/my friend
Mickey and Edward sing about missing eachother. They admire eachother.
Bright new day
the whole family sing joyfully about the fresh start they are getting from being rehomed out of Liverpool.
Marylin Monroe (reprise 1)
7 years later. Mrs Johnstone sings about her new life in the courtyside.
Secrets
Mickey and Edward are suspended. Mrs lyons is reminded of what she is hiding when she sees the locket.
that guy
mickey and edward rekindle their friendship 7 years later. They sing about wanting to be like eachother which foreshadows future resentment and jealousy as their social class sets their pathways in different directions.
shoes upon the table
Mrs lyons is hysterical and threatens Mrs Johnstone with a knife
one day in october
mickey and edward get married as Linda is pregnant
take a letter mrs jones
Mickey is made unemployed. “sign of the times” highlights the job losses under Margaret Thatcher. Eddie returns and doesnt understand the seriousness pf the situation. He offers Mickey money which he refuses and compares Eddie to peter pan which is a motif that represents how Edward doesnt have to grow up.
