The role of fate in 'Blood Brothers' and its impact on characters
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Course
English
Institution
GCSE
In Willy Russell's "Blood Brothers," the theme of fate plays a central role in the story and is depicted as a powerful force that shapes the lives of the characters. The play explores the idea that the characters are driven by a sense of inevitability, as if their lives are predetermined by a highe...
In Willy Russell's "Blood Brothers," the concept of fate plays a central role in the story
and is depicted as a powerful force that shapes the lives of the characters. The play
explores the idea that the characters are driven by a sense of inevitability, as if their
lives are predetermined by a higher power. This essay will examine the role of fate in
"Blood Brothers" and how it impacts the characters.
One of the main ways in which fate is depicted in the play is through the recurring
image of blood. The use of blood as a symbol serves to connect the characters and
emphasizes the idea that they are bound by their shared blood and fate. For
example, the character of Mrs. Johnstone speaks of how "blood will out" and "blood
calls to blood," suggesting that the characters are powerless to change their fate.
Furthermore, the play also explores the theme of the consequences of actions. The
central plot of the play revolves around the decision of the two mothers to give away
one of their twin babies. This decision has a profound impact on the lives of all the
characters, leading to a tragic ending. The use of blood as a symbol in the play
serves to emphasize the idea that every action has consequences, and that the
characters are bound by the choices they make.
The characters in the play are also portrayed as being aware of the power of fate and
their own inability to change it. For example, Mrs. Johnstone speaks of how "you
can't change the past, you can only learn from it." This quote highlights the idea that
the characters are aware of the power of fate, but are unable to change it.
The characters in the play also struggle with their own sense of predestination and
try to resist it in different ways. For example, Mickey tries to resist his fate by
breaking free from his working-class background and trying to improve his life. On
the other hand, Eddie, who is determined to better himself, tries to resist his fate by
distancing himself from his working-class roots.
Despite their efforts to resist their fate, the characters ultimately fail to change their
predetermined paths. This is exemplified by the tragic ending of the play, where both
brothers ultimately fall victim to the consequences of their actions, and fate. This
ending serves to underscore the idea that no matter how much one may try to resist
fate, it is an inescapable force that ultimately shapes one's life.
In conclusion, the concept of fate plays a central role in "Blood Brothers" and is
depicted as a powerful force that shapes the lives of the characters. The recurring
image of blood is used to symbolize the idea that the characters are bound by their
shared blood and fate. The play explores the idea that every action has
consequences and that the characters are aware of the power of fate, but are unable
to change it. Ultimately, the play serves as a reminder that fate is an inescapable
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