blood brothers critical essay

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‘Blood Brothers’ by John Wickham Analysis

A Reading of the Short Story

This story is about two brothers Paul and Benjy. Both brothers can be considered to be ‘Blood Brothers’ because they are thirteen year old twins. Despite the fact that Paul and Benjy are twins; they both display different personality traits. Paul is an introvert who loves nature and he loves to contemplate about life. Whereas, Benjy is Paul’s polar opposite. This further reinforces that although both boys are genetically related that is where the commonality ends.  Benjy is an extrovert who is very carefree and fun loving. However, Paul thinks his brother believes he is superior and as a result he grows to hate him. Paul is conflicted about his feelings because deep down he wants Benjy to be his friend and confidant. The story ends with Paul attacking Benjy. Benjy is surprised and confused because he did not know or understand why Paul reacted in this way.

• Paul is an introvert.
• He is artistic and he paints pictures
• He loves nature.
• He is also very reflective. He contemplates nature as well as his feeling towards his brother.
• He dislikes Benjy’s ability to accomplish simple tasks quickly.
• He resents Benjy because he reminds him of his own short comings.
• He envies Benjy and his envy turns to hate.
• He thought Benjy feels he is superior to him.
• He is an extrovert and carefree
• He is confident.
• He is a typical boy, very active, adventurous and always exploring.
• He is ignorant to his brother’s disdain for him.
• He felt he is superior to Paul.
• He mocks Paul.
• He is an old shoe maker in the village. Both boys go to visit him.

Narrative Point of View:

• Third Person Narrative

Setting:  The story takes place in an unnamed village. 

Conflict:   Paul envies Benjy carefree personality as a result of this he grew to hate Benjy.  This hate resulted n him attacking his brother.

• Love and family relationships
• Childhood Experiences
• Appearance vs Reality

28 thoughts on “‘Blood Brothers’ by John Wickham Analysis”

this help me a lot

It really did

Same cause I have been doing this topic in class from last week

This helped me a lot

Thank you for your feedback.

Thanks for your feedback Gisseli!!!!

this is not helpful at all . where is the summary the techniques background information and the mood .these would be helpful too u knw

this is not helpful. where is the story? where is the Summary?

Hi William,

You can find the story in the World of Prose. We do not include these stories on our sit for copyright reasons.

Watch the video and you’ll know all of the story by listening to the person who is reading it and the summary is the overview of the story. I hope that this was helpful to you,(William).

What is the rising action and climax

I want a whole summary about what actually happen in the story

give the full summary of blood brothers with paul and benjy

Y’all should do a skit and the script ….it will help others a lot

What is d conflict of this story?

The conflict is paul attacked benjy because his envy grew until it turned to hatred towards benjy, but then when paul realized that benjy felt fear just like him. He decided not to make a finishing blow. So in the end, Paul did not kill benjy but he almost did.

This really helpful thanks a lot

you guys could state what is benjy fear

In the end of the short story, Paul attacked Bengy in the Shoemaker’s Shop with an awl, a screwdriver like tool. After Bengy begged Paul to play outside with him while Paul sat inside the shop. Bengy came closer to Paul and touched his shoulder. This almost triggered Paul and he turned around with the awl and held it above Bengy but soon noticed that Bengy was scared. This left Paul content as he walked home because he realized “happy in the discovery that his brother also knew fear.”

Thanks alot for the help may god bless u

The name that you’re using states the truth.

This website was really helpful because it made me understand the story ‘Blood Brothers’ by John Wickham better. So thank you for creating this website.

How did either brother deal with the conflict ?

rising action

Can you describe the setting a bit more?

What are the literary devices

The fact that Paul envied benjy carefree personality as a result Paul grew to hate benjy

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Blood Brothers

Willy russell, ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on Willy Russell's Blood Brothers . Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides.

Blood Brothers: Introduction

Blood brothers: plot summary, blood brothers: detailed summary & analysis, blood brothers: themes, blood brothers: quotes, blood brothers: characters, blood brothers: symbols, blood brothers: theme wheel, brief biography of willy russell.

Historical Context of Blood Brothers

Other books related to blood brothers.

• Full Title: Blood Brothers
• When Written: 1982
• Where Written: Liverpool, UK
• Literary Period: 20th century musical
• Genre: Musical
• Setting: Liverpool, UK
• Climax: Mrs. Johnstone reveals to Mickey and Edward that they are twin brothers
• Antagonist: The English class system, as represented by the unstable and snobbish Mrs. Lyons

Extra Credit for Blood Brothers

Long live the play! The revival of Blood Brothers on the West End ran for twenty-four years, making it the third-longest running musical in the history of the UK.

Universal appeal. In 2012, a version of the play traveled to South Africa, and many of the main parts were played by black actors. Its director believed that the universal themes of the piece would be instantly relatable to South African audiences.

Blood Brothers

By willy russell, blood brothers study guide.

Blood Brothers is a musical written by English dramatist and composer Willy Russell . It depicts the lives of twin brothers, Mickey and Eddie , who were separated at birth. One ends up being raised by a rich family and becoming a local politician while the other grows up in poverty and becomes embroiled in violent crime. Both boys fall in love with their mutual childhood friend, Linda , a situation that ends in a terrible tragedy. The music features a number of rock and pop instruments, including drums, electric guitar, bass, saxophone, and synthesizer keyboard. Set to a lively soundtrack, the musical explores ideas of nature versus nurture, familial ties, and class. The storyline is loosely based on The Corsican Brothers , a novella by Alexander Dumas.

Russell initially wrote and staged Blood Brothers as a school play. It ran at Fazakerley Comprehensive School in Liverpool in November 1981. Russell said that the idea for the story came from a one-act play he read about two brothers who were switched at birth. He continued working on it, composing a score and adapting it into a musical for a performance at the Liverpool Playhouse. The musical opened on January 8th, 1983 then transferred to the Lyric Theatre on April 11th, 1983 and ran until October 22nd of the same year. It starred Barbara Dickson as Mrs. Johnstone , Andrew Schofield as the narrator, George Costigan as Mickey, and Andrew C. Wadsworth as Eddie. The play won an Olivier Award for Best New Musical as well as an additional award for Dickson's performance. These performances continued with a 1984 UK tour. The play met with modest critical success.

The play returned for a revival at the Albery Theatre for three years and then was transferred to the Phoenix Theatre in 1991. The play ran for 24 years in the West End and had over 10,000 performances, giving it the third-longest run of any musical in West End history. It closed in November of 2012. It has been performed subsequently on Broadway. Despite its mixed critical reception, it has developed a significant cult following in the years following its premiere.

Blood Brothers Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Blood Brothers is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Study Guide for Blood Brothers

Blood Brothers study guide contains a biography of Willy Russell, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About Blood Brothers
• Blood Brothers Summary
• Character List

Blood Brothers: historical context

Historical background of “blood brothers”.

• “Blood Brothers” is a musical by Willy Russell, first performed in 1981. Understanding its historical context is key for interpreting the characters’ actions, motivations, and the overall plot.
• The play is set in Liverpool in the UK, spanning several decades from the late 1950s to the early 1980s. This was a time of substantial social and economic change in the country.

Liverpool during the 50s to 80s

• Liverpool, in particular, faced significant hardship during this period, going through deindustrialisation and high unemployment rates. These circumstances deeply influenced the characters’ actions in the play.

Class Divide in “Blood Brothers”

• The class divide is a critical theme in “Blood Brothers.” The characters Mickey and Eddie are born into vastly differing social circumstances, with Eddie growing up in a middle-class family while Mickey is from a poor, working-class family.

Influence of Historical Events on the Play

• Various historical events that occurred during the time frame of the play, including the election of Margaret Thatcher, the subsequent rise of neoliberal policies , and the increased division between the rich and the poor are all essential background aspects affecting the characters’ lives and choices in the play.

Superstitions and Beliefs

• The play also touches on the superstitions and beliefs during this period. The belief in fate, destiny and the supernatural played a significant role in peoples’ lives, which is mirrored in Mrs. Johnstone’s superstitions in the play.

Housing Issue in the 80s

• The issue of housing, particularly council housing , was prominent at that time. The relocation of the Johnstone family from inner-city Liverpool to a new estate on the outskirts is reflective of urban regeneration attempts during the 1980s.

Significance of Historical Context

• Recognising the significant role that the historical context plays in “Blood Brothers” will offer a more profound understanding of the characters, their motivations, and ultimately the tragedy that unfolds in the play.

The Sitting Bee

Short Story Reviews

Blood Brothers by John Wickham

In Blood Brothers by John Wickham we have the theme of hate, conflict discontent, connection, jealousy, fear, independence and confidence. Narrated in the third person by an unnamed narrator the reader realises after reading the story that Wickham may be exploring the theme of hate and conflict. Paul is uncomfortable with his relationship with his twin brother Benjy. He dislikes the fact that Benjy appears to be able to do things that Paul himself cannot do. Paul also dislikes not being as brave as Benjy and in many ways uses Benjy as his benchmark for doing things. This may be important as Wickham may be suggesting that Paul compares himself to Benjy. When the reality is he has no need to. If anything Benjy’s influence on Paul affects Paul’s confidence and his belief in himself. Which may be the point that Wickham is attempting to make. He may be suggesting that should a person continually compare themselves to another person they will inevitably be unhappy. Something which is very much the case when it comes to Paul. He is an unhappy child based solely on what he perceives are his inadequacies. At no stage does Paul think of the things that he is good at rather his main focus is on how he is not as good as Benjy at things.

There is also a sense that Paul is afraid of failure or at least what he perceives to be failure. The walk at night time with his father and Benjy being an example. Yet at the same time Paul wants to make a connection with Benjy. Even if it means that he feels as though he is second best to Benjy. This too may be important as Wickham could be highlighting how deep and strong the bond is between Paul and Benjy. Though Paul may hate Benjy. He still wants to be his friend. He wants to have a loving relationship with his brother. Benjy’s character is also interesting as he appears to be completely secure within himself and free of other people’s opinion of him. Unlike Paul who seems to judge himself based solely on Benjy’s actions. If anything Paul lacks the independence to be his own person and some critics might suggest that Paul is jealous of Benjy’s abilities. If this is the case then Paul will never be happy as he will always be looking to see if he can better Benjy rather than living each day as it comes.

There is also some symbolism in the story which may be important. The casuarina tree and the appearance it takes on at both night and day time in many ways mirrors Paul’s change in mood when he and Benjy are at Mac’s. The angelic appearance of the tree during the day in many ways mirrors how Paul lives his life. However the appearance that the tree takes on in the evening when it is dark also mirrors Paul’s reaction to Benjy when Benjy asks him to play with him. The leather that Paul is punching holes into may also have some symbolic significance as the reader is aware that the leather in Mac’s shop is used to make and repair shoes. By having Paul playing with the leather Wickham could be symbolically suggesting that Paul is making a new pair of shoes to walk in. Something that is clearer to the reader when Paul attacks Benjy. The fact that Mac is unaware of what is happening and thinks that both boys are playing may also be important as it could suggest that the battle that Paul feels he is facing with Benjy is not a public battle but a personal battle.

The end of the story is also interesting as Wickham appears to be exploring the theme of fear. Benjy is afraid of Paul after he threatens him with the sharp awl. For the first time in the story Benjy shows fear. This may be important as it is through showing fear that the reader suspects that Benjy may now have an understanding for how Paul feels. In reality the attack connects both Paul and Benjy. Though at the time neither boy would be aware of this. It is also possible that through the experience of the attack both Paul and Benjy will become closer to one another. With Benjy probably knowing or understanding how Paul feels. If anything their relationship will grow and prosper. Paul has stood up for himself and by doing so has defined himself. Whether he meant to do so is another thing but the important thing is that he has done it. He has stood on his own two feet and not let Benjy get the better of him. Which may leave some readers to suggest that Benjy will treat Paul as an equal rather than as somebody that he can taunt and use for his own amusement.

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42 comments

cool ! good and I learnt a lot.

Thank you…..this was so helpful

Yes… It is interesting but my english literature teacher gave me a assignment to do said I must give a example of shy in the story but its not anywhere to be found

I would need to read the story again to find an example. However the fact that Paul internalizes all the things or slights he feels when it comes to Benjy may suggest he is shy and inward looking.

This story reminds me of Cain and Abel. It does not appear to be a Biblical allusion however, though the anger that Cain felt towards Abel may be compared.

Not getting my answers for my question

Maybe if I knew the question I could answer it.

wow i understand, but i think love is shown some what in the story not a lot but a tiny bit for the blood is thicker than water. Paul never hated him but hated his personality and capabilities. i think………………so not sure

In the last paragraph, the author says that he saw the look of incomprehension on his brother’s face. Why does Benjy have this look on his face?

Because he didn’t know Paul was capable of doing something like that

Because he is unaware of Paul’s feelings. It’s odd to him that Paul would do something like that but even more confusing, is WHY he would do it.

How does the story’s title relate to its content?

what is the imagery of the story?

hey, thank you this helped a lot. What are some narrative techniques found in this story?

would conflict be a theme?

what is the rising action ?

would it be irony that even though paul expresses that he hates his brother he wants to spend time with him and that he also hates himself for hating benjy-

would love and family relationship also be a major theme

how are they similar in the story

How does the natural environment impact Paul and Benjy? *

What was the Biblical Allusion in the short story ‘Blood Brothers?’

What is the message delivered in this story.

What do u think the two brothers had in common?

The two brothers never really had anything in common but I might be wrong. In the story, they were displayed as being opposite to each other Paul’s an introvert and Benji’s an extrovert. The only thing that’s common about them is they’re related.

Can you tell me the major characters and their role in the story please.

Thank you! May Jesus bless you and your family!

How is love and family relationship portrayed in the story?

How benji feels towards his brother.

can you describe the setting of the story?

How does Paul’s hatred for Benjy impact his actions or his life overall?

Why was Paul jealous of Benjy?

He is jealous of Benjy’s abilities.

comment on the appropriateness of the title.

hi can someone tell me where i can download the full story from?

I’m not sure where you will find the story.

What is the conflict in the story??

Paul’s relationship with Benjy.

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Blood Brothers by Willy Russel - a critical review.

Vicki Davies

Blood Brothers – 1

On ………  we went to see ‘Blood Brothers’ at Bristol Hippodrome. ‘Blood Brothers was written by Willy Russel, it has now been around for 15years, and based on the production we saw, I can see no reason why it won’t last another 15years. This production could be described as an emotional rollercoaster, the extremely convincing actors, the well written, thought provoking and very refined script are the main reasons for this. This script is as refined as it could possibly be, as after 15years not a word is spoken that is not needed, and there is no movement, accent or piece of scenery that looks or sounds out of place.

The story line of this play is very simple, A very poor woman living in a council estate in Liverpool is expecting twins. She already has too many children than she could afford, so she reluctantly agreed to give one twin up to her employer, Mrs Lyons, who lives in a nearby mansion. The two boys, Eddie and Micky are brought up separately, with very different upbringings. The boys meet again at the age of 7, they discover they were born on the same day and decide to become blood brothers. They remain strong friends, however, until their different classes effect their relationship very strongly in adulthood. This may be a very entertaining story, but the play is not just a story.  Willy Russel is trying to symbolise and take a stab at the British class system and the tragic prejudice that comes with it, he does this in a very moving and thought provoking way.

This is a preview of the whole essay

   This play very cleverly starts in basically the same way as it ends, the two men lie dead on the stage, with various people standing around them, and there is dim light, the bodies are put into bags and slowly carried away. The Narrator tells in song a very basic story, he tells of them not knowing that they shared one name, until the day they died. Whilst this is happening we are separated from the actors on stage by a huge screen, which you can see through, but is evident it is there. By showing this at the beginning the audience is wondering throughout the play, how the twins could have died on the same day, It gives the play a lot of suspense.

The acting particularly impressed me in this production, both twins, greatly excelled in their roles, these were particularly challenging as they had to ‘grow up’ on stage. This shows tremendous ability of the actors. Both men were such convincing seven-year-olds, that the audience look upon on them believing they are children. Even at the age of seven it is very evident they are from very different classes.

   Micky, having lived in a council estate in Liverpool for his first seven years, is very much more ‘worldly wise’ than his twin, Eddie or at least think he is. The body language he uses shows this clearly, as he seems to always be trying to make himself look bigger. As though there is always a risk of him being beaten up, or threatened for sweets by a ‘big boy.’ This appearance and body language is a result of the council estate where he was brought up, and the other children he has mixed with.

Eddie’s character is the complete antithesis to Micky’s I feel one of the main reasons why this play has been so successful is the audience enjoy watching how the characters relate to eachother, as their very contrasting characters fuse. At the age of seven Eddie has been completely smothered by his parents and is exactly how his parents would want him to be. He enters in his grey school uniform, with shorts and long socks, this immediately gives the audience some information about this character, and makes it obvious who he is, as this is the first time the audience see Eddie since he was a baby. Eddie is extremely well spoken, and first introduces  himself to Micky as ‘Edward Lyons’.  Eddies body language is very much more controlled than Micky’s, it seems as though Eddie is very much more conscious of his actions. He may act like this to show that he has not been brought up around people of his own age, and he doesn’t really know how to relate to anybody but his parents.

   To me, one of the most memorable moments in this play; upon the boys first meeting, to show the audience that Eddie is very much trying to win favour with Micky, Eddie tries to copy what Micky does, as a 7year old would. At this stage of the play Micky is wearing an evidently old, and well worn in, huge sleeveless green jumper, shorts and trainers. Micky sits down on the floor and Eddie hurriedly follows, in a much more controlled fashion than his. Without talking Micky lifts his jumper over his knees, which are squashed against his chest, then drops his legs and sits cross legged with his jumper very much stretched, with quite a proud expression on his face. Eddie, looking at him in wonder, lifts his very tight grey school woolly vest and attempts to put it over his knees. When it doesn’t fit over his knees, he looks quite embarrassed as Micky looks round at him. I think this is a really nice touch, the play has a few little things like that, that make the audience laugh. I particularly like this touch because no words are spoken, it is purely a very childish act, that has been added into the play over the years, as it is not written in the script, it gives the words time to breathe and fills the silence very well.

  When they are still seven years old, Micky’s council house gets changed and the Johnstones move to the countryside. The Lyons also move out to the country but the two families are unaware of how close they are still living to each other.  The whole atmosphere is then changed, The house in which Micky’s family lives, on one side of the stage remains the same, It just has a new layer of bricks, which are new with no graffiti, looking a lot cleaner. The Lyons house on the opposite side of the stage looks pretty much the same house. There is style at the back of the stage, and the backdrop is sheep and fields rather than a dirty brick wall.

Document Details

• Word Count 1094
• Page Count 3
• Subject English

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Blood Brothers Critical Essay Plan: Theme - Social Class

Subject: English

Age range: 14-16

Resource type: Assessment and revision

Last updated

10 March 2023

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A paragraph plan with guidance and an example paragraph created to support pupils writing a “Theme” Critical Essay in response to “Blood Brothers” by Willy Russell. I created this for an S3, but can easily adapted and then used at National 5/6 level.

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Blood Brothers

Revision booklet on Blood Brothers

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