Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6554 in Books
• Published on: 1978-11-06
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 96 pages

Customer Reviews

classic drama about the original 'angry young man'
Look back in Anger is not only a classic of the British theatre, it also had reverbatory effects around the world upon its release in the 1950s. The play features some of the most vivious confrontations and acidic language I have ever read, and is ideal material for male and female monologues. Jimmy, the protagonist, has perplexed audiences and directors alike - how can any woman stand to live with him, let alone be drawn back to him after seemingly 'escaping'? But that is the lure of Jimmy's character - his sheer charisma. He is a James Dean for the English middle-classes, without the stunning looks, but with more reasons to rebel. The imagery of the play is at once subtle and exciting: Osborne is a master at creating visual and audio contradictions. In LOOK BACK IN ANGER this is manifested in the contrast between the bestial (animal) imagery, the unbridled lust of the protagonists, and constant reminders of religion, the Church, and the 'proper' society that Jimmy wishes to tear Alison away from. It is a drama of passion, bitterness and regret, with a shocking climax and a disturbingly ambiguous conclusion. Essential reading.

The whole drama seems to respond to the title, is full of co
Look Back in Anger

The whole drama seems to respond to the title, is full of conflicts and endless sorrowful relationship. It¡¦s ironic that many same plots happen repeatedly but only the female leading character is played by different person, Alison and Helena. I can¡¦t image how Alison passes the four married years with Jimmy. Just like what she says: ¡§ Well. For twenty years, I ¡¥d lived a happy, uncomplicated life, and suddenly, this - this spiritual barbarian- throws down the gauntlet at me.¡¨ ¡§Perhaps it was revenge.¡¨ Apparently, even Alison herself has seen clearly how mean Jimmy is. Why does she come back in the end? Can¡¦t she still escape from the painful love? For me, it¡¦s not love at all. Love is not an excuse for hurting others. Jimmy is a rude, mean, self- center man who always complains how badly people treat him, but never considers for others. All what he does in his life is to spill out insult to hurt his wife and her family. ¡§Junk¡¨ is his name for me when I read what he says about Alison¡¦s pregnancy: ¡§Did you honestly expect me to go soggy at the knees, and collapse with remorse! I don¡¦t care if it has two heads.¡¨... I strongly pity on Allison¡¦s sacrifice and foolishness. She all- heartedly devotes herself to Jimmy, however, Jimmy even can accept Helena right after her departure. Her love and suffering seem not to be worthy anything for Jimmy doesn¡¦t care at all. He only wants one woman to accompany with him. It doesn¡¦t matter who is the unlucky woman. The change of Helena¡¦s attitudes towards Jimmy is a great turning point in this drama. When she persuades Allison to leave, she seems to be the one who exactly knows how malicious type Jimmy is. Unexpectedly, she is the one who inherits Allison¡¦s suffering position. The drama seems to make emphasis how blind love is. Women seem want to be the ones who can change a terrible man to be a better man. The whole drama is an irony work for me.

A Great Edition of A Classic Play
This book is on my reading list for Uni next year, it only took three days for delivery after I ordered it & is a very good edition of the play. Highly recommended to any college or uni drama students.