Blood Brothers: Context (AQA GCSE English Literature): Revision Notes

Blood Brothers was written by Willy Russell in the early 1980s, during a time of social and economic hardship in Britain, particularly in working-class areas like Liverpool. The play reflects the impact of unemployment, poverty, and social inequality on people's lives. This context is crucial as it shows how these conditions shape the lives and choices of Mickey and Edward, who grow up in very different social environments.

The play explores nature versus nurture, examining how upbringing influences opportunities and behaviour. The separation of the twins at birth and their different upbringings in opposing social classes highlight the impact of the environment. This concept is central to the play's message, questioning whether fate or circumstances determine a person's life.

Russell was influenced by Greek tragedy, with themes of fate, inevitability, and predestined downfall. The use of the narrator and motifs of superstition in Blood Brothers reinforce this tragic inevitability. This structure adds to the sense of doom and dramatic tension, reminding the audience of the twins' tragic fate.

The political context of the 1980s, including Margaret Thatcher's government and the decline of traditional industries, plays a key role in the play. Russell critiques social and economic policies that widened the gap between rich and poor. This context is reflected in the contrasting lives of Mickey and Edward, leading to the play's tragic end.