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Man Woman Relation in Look Back in Anger
Man Woman Relation in Look Back in Anger
Man Woman Relation in Look Back in Anger
regarding the relationship shared between one another residing in and around the
same house. The position of the individual in society has been an interesting subject
for writers, as values and allegiances continue to alter drastically through the years.
The significance of human relationships in society is crucial to its well-being and
sanity as a whole. Exploration of this theme has a long tradition in European drama,
including English drama. John Osborne too shows his concern with a drastic
deterioration in the stability of the man-woman and such proximate relationships, as
evident in his play Look Back in Anger.
The early part of the play leads us to suspect Cliff to turn out to be the intrusive
agent in the Jimmy-Alison alliance. However, very soon we find him the confidant to
both Jimmy and Alison, acting as a bridge of amity. He does not exploit Alison’s
vulnerability, but shares her anxiety and problems.
Alison: I don’t think I want anything more to do with love. Any more. I can’t take it on.
Cliff: You’re too young to start giving up. Too young, and too lovely.”
The friendship of Cliff and the Porters is free from deceit, meanness or malice. Cliff
acts as a calm catalyst, an agreeable choric complement to Jimmy. In that way, he
appears more down-to-earth and rational. His presence equips Jimmy and Alison to
sort out their differences as Cliff acts as a reconciliating agent. Helena shows
suspicion about Cliff’s intensions only to be reprimanded by Alison: “ We’re simply
fond of each other.”
On the other hand, from the outset, Cliff considers Helena a menace in the Porter
family. Her arrival is regarded with more suspicion than pleasure. She is instinctively
drawn to Jimmy as if it is a challenge to be won, yet she succumbs to his charms.
Their relationship is a temporary respite. A basic stubbornness, a clash of values