WAEC Literature in English 2021 Theory — Question 16

Model answer

Points to develop: relation to theme; identification of character; estrangement from Establishment; feeling that Britain has lost its identity; what Jimmy's responsibility for his own alienation can be attributed to. Jimmy Porter is the protagonist of Look Back in Anger, which deals with frustration in post-WWII Britain and its effects on relationships. Jimmy shows frustration in relation to his friends, Cliff, and his wife Allison. He is highly educated but has not been from an old, respected institution ('not even red brick, but white tile'), finding himself outside the establishment because he lacks the contacts to gain high placement, becoming increasingly estranged, frustrated, and lashing out at Cliff, Allison, and their friend Helena. His own responsibility for his alienation can be attributed to his haughty and self-righteous attitude to life; he constantly feels wronged by society and wants to pay it back, but has also failed to love his wife Allison genuinely.