Blood Brothers (AQA GCSE English Literature)

It shows that the characters are unaware of the consequences of their actions.

It suggests the characters can still avoid their tragic fate if they work together.

It implies that the devil is a literal character in the play, and perhaps even the Narrator himself.

It reinforces the idea that the characters are doomed by their superstitions.

It shows she has fully embraced superstition and believes in its power.

It highlights her increasing paranoia and desperation.

It suggests she is joking and does not really believe in curses.

It shows that she is finally acknowledging Mrs Johnstone’s power over her.

Mickey feels embarrassed that he used to accept such gifts from Edward.

Mickey is upset that Edward no longer gives him anything.

Edward used to offer small gifts, but now Mickey needs real financial help.

Mickey is nostalgic about their simpler friendship when they were younger.

It foreshadows her eventual success and happiness as she rises from humble beginnings.

It highlights how her life was once glamorous but is now tragic, like Monroe’s.

It suggests that Mrs Johnstone will regain her youthful optimism and former beauty.

It shows that Mrs Johnstone is still hopeful for a better life and a successful career.

It shows Edward’s inability to understand Mickey’s struggles with poverty.

It highlights Edward’s generosity and desire to help Mickey, as he values friendship over money.

It suggests that Edward believes money will solve their problems.

It demonstrates how Edward feels superior to Mickey due to his wealth, and rubs Mickey’s face in it.

It shows Mrs Lyons is still able to control the situation despite Mrs Johnstone’s influence.

It shows that Mrs Lyons believes Mrs Johnstone is following her intentionally.

It implies that Mrs Lyons and Mrs Johnstone will eventually become friends.

It suggests Mrs Lyons is haunted by her guilt and cannot escape Mrs Johnstone’s presence.

It suggests that Mickey is content with his own vocabulary and life.

It highlights Mickey’s growing resentment towards Edward’s education and opportunities.

It implies that Mickey and Edward are equally educated, but express themselves differently.

It shows Mickey’s admiration for Edward’s academic achievements.

It shows Mrs Johnstone’s belief that moving will help her escape the judgement she faces as a working-class mother.

It highlights her desire to move to a wealthier area to become middle-class, thereby providing a better life for Mickey.

It implies that Mrs Johnstone believes her reputation will improve through hard work and determination.

It suggests that Mrs Johnstone wants to completely change her identity and start over, defying the English class system.

It implies that Edward is trying to protect Mickey from the truth about his relationship with Linda.

It shows that Edward is genuinely confused and doesn’t understand why Mickey is upset.

It suggests that Edward is lying to protect himself from Mickey’s anger, deepening his betrayal.

It shows that Edward has no feelings for Linda and wants to maintain his friendship with Mickey.

It highlights Mickey’s frustration that Edward’s help cannot solve Mickey’s more serious problems.

It suggests that Mickey wishes Edward would return to giving him small, meaningless gifts.

It implies that Mickey no longer values his friendship with Edward and wants to end it.

It shows that Mickey is still grateful for Edward’s help, even if it’s just small gestures and trinkets.