English

Y10 English

Key Stage 4

Year 10

Blood Brothers

In this lesson, we will begin to explore the context behind 'Blood Brothers', focussing on the time period of the 1980s and the challenges this decade brought to working class people.

Britain in the 1980s

In this lesson, we will begin to explore Russell's background and how this influenced his writing of the play 'Blood Brothers'.

Russell's background

In this lesson, we will gain an understanding of the musical as an art form and how this form is significant to the play 'Blood Brothers'.

The musical form & staging

In this lesson, we will gain an understanding of the key information learned within the prologue, as well as its importance in establishing the tragic structure of the play.

The Prologue

In this lesson, we will be introduced to the character of Mrs. Johnstone. We will focus on how Russell chooses to characterise Mrs. Johnstone in the opening of the play.

Mrs. Johnstone

In this lesson, we will be introduced to the character of Mrs. Lyons. We will explore how Mrs. Lyons is characterised in the opening of the play, and consider how and why Russell contrasts this character with Mrs. Johnstone.

Mrs. Lyons

In this lesson, we will build on our understanding of the characters of Mrs. Lyons and Mrs. Johnstone by gaining an understanding of the pact they make and their motivations for doing this.

The Pact is made

In this lesson, we will be seeking to gain an understanding of the factors that give Mrs. Lyons power over Mrs. Johnstone, and how she uses this power to manipulate Mrs. Johnstone.

Class & power

In this lesson, we will learn about the first meeting between Mickey and Edward. We will focus closely on how Russell creates a clear sense of difference between these characters through his use of characterisation.

The twins meet

In this lesson, we will explore the reasons why Mrs. Lyons and Mrs. Johnstone seek to keep the twins apart, focussing specifically on the importance of fate.

Friendship across the divide

In this lesson, we will gain a greater understanding of the concept of social class, and will seek to understand how class may shape an individual's treatment by authority figures.

Social class & authority

In this lesson, we will be introduced to the character of Sammy. We will explore how this character is used by Russell to present ideas about violence.

Sammy

In this lesson, we will explore the different experiences of education that the twins Mickey and Edward have and the ways in which this education influences their adult lives. We will also look in detail at the context of education at the time the play was written.

Education

In this lesson, we will focus on the part of the text in which Mrs. Lyons angrily confronts Mrs. Johnstone. We will explore Mrs. Lyons' growing paranoia and how this is linked to her loss of power.

Mrs Lyons confronts Mrs Johnstone

In this lesson, we will explore the differences arising in the lives of the two boys as they leave school and enter the adult world. We will focus on the struggles experienced by Mickey as he loses his job, as well as the manner in which Edward is sheltered from those struggles.

Different paths

In this lesson, we will explore Mickey's growing frustration with his life and how this dissatisfaction results in the destruction of his relationship with Edward.

Mickey's frustration rises

In this lesson, we will focus on the part of the text where Mickey's life begins to spiral out of control. We will focus on the choices he makes which lead to this and whether he really has any power to make choices at all.

Mickey's life spirals out of control

In this lesson, we will focus on the part of the text where details of the affair between Edward and Linda are revealed. We will explore how this affects Mickey, and how it influences him to give up in his futile efforts to resist the tragic fate which awaits him.

Linda, Eddie & Mickey

In this lesson, we will focus on the ending of the play. We will explore the extent to which Mickey and Edward can be interpreted as being tragic heroes as well as the message communicated by Russell through this.

A tragic end

In this lesson, we will reflect on Russell's intention in writing the play. We will further explore the central message that he outlines in the play and the vision he has for society.

Key Stage 4, English, Blood Brothers

Unit Quiz