Act Two (‘Johnny raises his hands’ to ‘And I’ll get
you halfway to Australia for nothing’)
Comment closely on the passage from Act Two of
Jerusalem, considering ways in which this extract
contributes to Johnny Byron’s characterisation in
the play.
Johnny Byron is a compelling, chaotic, complex character,
written by Jez Butterworth for Jerusalem. His
characterisation is conflicting; he prides himself as being
the beloved leader of outcasts, however strives for his own
independence and individualism; embodies Englishness yet
denies authority, acting recklessly and immaturely. In this
extract, Johnny regales the group the outrageous story of
his miraculous conception and birth, while wishing a
member of the group, Lee, goodbye, showcasing many
aspects of his elaborate characterisation.
A central part of Johnny’s characterisation is his dominating
presence within any scene, and his natural leadership role.
His commandeering nature is within the stage directions
“Johnny raises his hands, on a roll”. Raising hands in the air
is a gesture of his control and need for the attention from
other characters, and the reaction of the others (quieting
and letting Johnny speak after previous shouting) shows
that he has total control of the group. Another sound effect
in this scene includes “Johnny bangs the table”, associating
loud noise and large gestures to his character and directing
much of the audience's attention towards him, reinforcing
you halfway to Australia for nothing’)
Comment closely on the passage from Act Two of
Jerusalem, considering ways in which this extract
contributes to Johnny Byron’s characterisation in
the play.
Johnny Byron is a compelling, chaotic, complex character,
written by Jez Butterworth for Jerusalem. His
characterisation is conflicting; he prides himself as being
the beloved leader of outcasts, however strives for his own
independence and individualism; embodies Englishness yet
denies authority, acting recklessly and immaturely. In this
extract, Johnny regales the group the outrageous story of
his miraculous conception and birth, while wishing a
member of the group, Lee, goodbye, showcasing many
aspects of his elaborate characterisation.
A central part of Johnny’s characterisation is his dominating
presence within any scene, and his natural leadership role.
His commandeering nature is within the stage directions
“Johnny raises his hands, on a roll”. Raising hands in the air
is a gesture of his control and need for the attention from
other characters, and the reaction of the others (quieting
and letting Johnny speak after previous shouting) shows
that he has total control of the group. Another sound effect
in this scene includes “Johnny bangs the table”, associating
loud noise and large gestures to his character and directing
much of the audience's attention towards him, reinforcing
