CLASS STRUGGLE THROUGH A MARXIST LENS

Marxist Interpretation of Class Struggle in John Osborne's Look Back in Anger

Karl Marx, the German philosopher, economist, and social theorist,

established Marxist theory, which is a full theoretical framework for describing the
nature of society and the way it operates. Marxist philosophy covers various
essential concepts, such as the theory of class, class conflict, and the base-
superstructure paradigm. "Look Back in Anger" by John Osborne is a play that
exposes the struggles of working-class residents in post-World War Two England.
According to Marx's theory of class conflict, society is divided into classes based on
their relationship to the means of production (Johnson, 2018). In Look Back in
Anger, the character of Jimmy Porter represents the working class, which is
exploited and oppressed by the middle and upper classes (Osborne, 1956). It depicts
the struggles of the working class and the exploitative character of capitalism,
offering the Marxist perspective on class conflict, the problems of Jimmy Porter, a
working-class man who feels alienated and dissatisfied by the economic inequalities
and social hierarchy of post-war and the friction between the working class and the
middle class, highlighting the power dynamics and socioeconomic inequality that
exist within society and emphasizing the Marxist position on class struggle.

John Osborne's play, Look Back in Anger, originally presented in 1956, is a

caustic condemnation of post-war British society, notably the exploitation of the
working class by capitalism. The play's protagonist, Jimmy Porter, is a working-
class man who is disillusioned with his stagnating existence and his inability to
attain social mobility. Through Jimmy's character, Osborne shows the problems of
the working class, including poverty, a lack of education and chances, and the
persistent fight to make ends meet. According to Osborne the drama illustrates the
Marxist perspective on class struggle, which portrays the working class as being
pitted against the capitalist class. Jimmy's character highlights the underlying
inequalities in capitalist society, as he rails against the exploitation of the working
class by those who control the means of production (Osborne, 1956). Additionally,
Osborne's use of language and interaction in the play underlines the Marxist
perspective on class strife. For instance, Jimmy's famous speech in Act 1, Scene 2
(Osborne, 1956, Act 1, Scene 2), where he declares "the only thing that makes life
worth living is the possibility of experiencing now and then a perfect moment,"
CLASS STRUGGLE THROUGH A MARXIST LENS

highlights the working class's disillusionment with the capitalist system and the need
for a revolutionary change in society. The play's choice of language also stresses the
gap between the working class and the capitalist class, where the working-class
character’s employ colloquial English while the upper-class characters use formal
language. Look Back in Anger also examines post-war British society's concerns
with relationships, love, and gender. Jimmy's marriage to Alison represents the
conventional gender roles and cultural standards of the day, when men were meant
to provide for their families financially and women took care of the home. The battle
women experienced in the 1950s to resist cultural standards and conventional gender
roles is also illustrated by Alison's character. Her choice to leave Jimmy at the play's
finale symbolizes how women's roles have altered in post-World War II British
society.

  Furthermore, the figure of Jimmy Porter serves as a representation of the anger and
wrath felt by the working class in post-war England (Osborne, 1956). While being educated
and smart, Jimmy's background prevents him from breaking through the boundaries of the
social hierarchy, which generates a sense of alienation and unhappiness that is mirrored in his
relationships with individuals around him (Osborne, 1956). Through Jimmy's struggles,
Osborne depicts the wider themes of economic inequality and social hierarchy that were
prominent in post-war England (Moss, 2014). This play is generally acknowledged as a
landmark in the history of British theatre since it heralds the beginning of the "angry young
men" movement of the 1950s and 1960s (Moss, 2014). The play is an important work that
shows the fight between the working class and the middle class, bringing to light the power
dynamics and socioeconomic inequities that exist within society and stressing the Marxist
viewpoint on class struggle. As Osborne himself noted, the play was "a cry of wrath" against
the establishment, and its message continues to resonate with audiences today (Osborne,
1956). Certainly! John Osborne's Look Back in Anger is a notable work of British theatre that
not only illustrates the social and political background of post-World War II England but also
opened the way for a new generation of authors and playwrights. The play's protagonist,
Jimmy Porter, functions as a portrayal of the jaded and disenfranchised working class, whose
misery and wrath are clear throughout the play. The play's influence is notable in part
because it signalled a change away from the typical middle-class dramas that dominated the
British stage at the time. Osborne's art, which was characterized by its grit and authenticity,
addressed directly the experiences and concerns of a larger audience and, in doing so,
CLASS STRUGGLE THROUGH A MARXIST LENS

questioned the status quo. In this view, Look Back in Anger may be interpreted as a
significant statement on the value of art in social and political development. Yet, the play's
Marxist ideals and critique of social inequalities continue to resonate with audiences today. In
a country where economic injustice and class struggle remain entrenched, Look Back in
Anger's message is as urgent as ever. By presenting the concerns of the working class and
giving voice to their wrath and sorrow, Osborne's play reminds us of the continued necessity
of empathy, compassion, and social justice.

  In the play, Osborne expresses the protagonist Jimmy Porter's frustration and
disappointment with his working-class beginnings and his desire to fit in with middle-class
society. This conflict is underlined in Jimmy's relationship with his wife, Alison, who comes
from a more affluent background. As a result, their marriage is fraught with tension and
antagonism, with Jimmy feeling inferior to Alison and continuously criticizing her for her
middle-class ideas and opinions. Moreover, the play also highlights the power dynamics and
socioeconomic unfairness that occur inside society. For instance, Jimmy's best friend, Cliff
Lewis, who is also working-class, is often the focus of his annoyance and rage. Jimmy feels
impotent in his own life and takes out his frustration on Cliff, who is his closest friend and
confidant. This power dynamic is further reinforced in Jimmy's encounter with his landlord,
Colonel Redfern, who symbolizes the upper-class establishment and is shown as remote and
out-of-touch with the struggles of the working class. Finally, Osborne's Look Back in Anger
is a striking reflection on the Marxist idea of class struggle, highlighting the friction between
the working class and the middle class and revealing the socioeconomic injustice and power
imbalances that exist throughout society. Its message continues to be relevant today, and it
remains a key work in the canon of modern British theatre (Osborne, 1956). Likewise, Look
Back in Anger is typically viewed as a significant work in the wider cultural and political
landscape of post-war Britain. The play's themes of social inequity, political disenchantment,
and generational rivalry touched many in the audience, particularly younger people who were
coming of age in a swiftly changing world. In this manner, the play may be considered a
mirror of the greater social and cultural changes that were taking place in Britain in the
1950s, as the country attempted to come to terms with the legacy of World War II and its
developing role in the globe. One of the primary concerns of the play is the tension between
different socioeconomic strata, notably the working class and the middle class. Osborne
leverages Jimmy and Alison's marriage to study this relationship, as Jimmy feels lonely and
resentful of Alison's rich background and education. This conflict is further heightened by
CLASS STRUGGLE THROUGH A MARXIST LENS

Jimmy's thoughts of economic insecurity and his sense of unhappiness with the larger
political and social system that seems to afford him little prospects for growth or social
mobility. At the same time, Osborne is concerned with not giving a simplified or one-sided
view of class relations. While Jimmy is often critical of the middle class and its views, he is
also capable of self-reflection and acknowledges his own limitations and shortcomings.
Similarly, while Colonel Redfern is shown as a cold and unfeeling person, Osborne also
highlights that the upper class is not monolithic and that there are diverse opinions and
experiences within this group.

In conclusion Look Back in Anger is a remarkable play that gives a convincing examination
of the hardships endured by the working class in post-war England. Through the role of
Jimmy Porter, the drama tackles the loneliness and sadness experienced by many working-
class persons owing to social disparity and cultural restrictions. The war between the working
class and the middle class in the play shows the power imbalances and socioeconomic
injustices that exist in our society, stressing the Marxist idea of class conflict.
Osborne's work presents a compelling reflection on the influence of capitalism on society and
the contemporary demand for social and economic fairness. By reading Look Back in Anger,
individuals are inspired to reflect on their own roles in establishing a more fair and equal
society. The play is an enduring literary masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers
today.
CLASS STRUGGLE THROUGH A MARXIST LENS

References

Osborne, J. (1956). Look Back in Anger. Faber and Faber

Johnson, L. (2018). Karl Marx's theory of class conflict. Investopedia. Retrieved

from https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/class-conflict.asp

Osborne, J. (1956). Look Back in Anger. Faber & Faber.

Moss, L. (2014). Look Back in Anger by John Osborne. The British Library.

https://www.bl.uk/20th-century-literature/articles/look-back-in-anger-by-john-osborne

Osborne, J. (1956). Glance back in wrath. London: Faber & Faber.