WAEC Literature in English 2021 Theory — Question 15

Model answer

Points to develop: relation to theme; character identification; nature of the friendship; complication in relationship; resolution. The play deals with the frustration of social life in post-World-War-II Britain and its negative effects on relationships. Jimmy Porter is the protagonist, tall, thin, about twenty-five, married to Allison, educated but resentful of the establishment, running a sweet stall. Cliff Lewis, short, dark, and big-boned, of the same age as Jimmy, lives with Jimmy and his wife and assists in his business; their friendship, from similar middle-class backgrounds, is marked by boredom, shared chores, and quarrelling over current affairs. At the centre of complication is Allison, Jimmy's wife: Cliff opposes Jimmy's ill-treatment of her and falls for her, yet Jimmy is indifferent even when they are found in compromising situations, until he is eventually redeemed by Allison's sudden return.