Social class and inequality

• When was Blood Brothers written?

  1981
• When was Blood Brothers first performed as a musical?

  1983
• Who was the Prime Minister during the time Blood Brothers was written?

  Margaret Thatcher
• What economic condition was prevalent during the time Blood Brothers was written?

  Very high unemployment
• In which area is Blood Brothers set?

  Liverpool
• How do the Johnstone and Lyons families represent social classes?

  Johnstones represent working class; Lyons represent middle class
• What does the difference between the Johnstone and Lyons families highlight?

  The impact of social class on life opportunities
• How does the friendship between Mickey and Edward change as they grow older?

  Their differences become more pronounced
• What does Margaret Thatcher believe about success?

  Anyone can be successful with hard work
• How does Russell demonstrate Mickey's limited prospects?

  By showing the lack of opportunities compared to Edward
• How does Mrs Lyons express her advantages over Mrs Johnstone in the song My Child?

  • Lists material possessions she can provide
  • Highlights differences in their lifestyles
  • Suggests love is secondary to material wealth
• How do Mickey and Edward's speech patterns reflect their backgrounds?

  Mickey uses swearwords; Edward is better educated
• What does Edward's comment about jobs reveal about his understanding of unemployment?

  He lacks understanding of its importance for Mickey
• How does Mickey feel about Edward's life when he learns they are twins?

  He feels jealous of Edward's opportunities
• What does Russell suggest about the impact of social class on Mickey and Edward's lives?

  Opportunities shape their lives more than personalities