Grade 9 Blood Brothers Essays (AQA English Literature
Paper 2)
Essay Questions:
1. How does Willy Russell present the character of Mrs Johnstone?
2. How is the theme of social class presented in Blood Brothers?
3. How does Russell present the relationship between Mickey and
Edward?
4. How is the theme of fate and superstition portrayed in the musical?
5. How does Russell use the character of the Narrator?
Essay 1: How does Willy Russell present the character of Mrs
Johnstone?
Mrs Johnstone is presented as a loving but struggling mother, caught in a
cycle of poverty and desperation. Russell uses her character to critique
class inequality and highlight the emotional cost of maternal sacrifice.
At the start, Mrs Johnstone is described as a “mother, so cruel,” by the
Narrator. This irony sets the tone for the audience to question first
impressions. In reality, she is compassionate and deeply maternal. Her
love for her children is evident in her lullaby-like song, “Marilyn Monroe,”
which romanticises her dreams but also shows her vulnerability.
Despite her affection, her financial situation forces her into an impossible
decision — giving one of her twins away. Russell uses this act not to
condemn her, but to show the lengths a mother will go to provide a better
life. Her guilt remains throughout the play, especially when she sings, “My
child, my own, my own dear child.”
Mrs Johnstone’s strength is also notable. She raises a large family alone
after being abandoned. Her character is used by Russell to generate
audience sympathy and reflect the struggles of the working class.
Through Mrs Johnstone, Russell explores the intersection of class,
motherhood, and morality, portraying her not as cruel, but as a tragic
victim of her circumstances.
Paper 2)
Essay Questions:
1. How does Willy Russell present the character of Mrs Johnstone?
2. How is the theme of social class presented in Blood Brothers?
3. How does Russell present the relationship between Mickey and
Edward?
4. How is the theme of fate and superstition portrayed in the musical?
5. How does Russell use the character of the Narrator?
Essay 1: How does Willy Russell present the character of Mrs
Johnstone?
Mrs Johnstone is presented as a loving but struggling mother, caught in a
cycle of poverty and desperation. Russell uses her character to critique
class inequality and highlight the emotional cost of maternal sacrifice.
At the start, Mrs Johnstone is described as a “mother, so cruel,” by the
Narrator. This irony sets the tone for the audience to question first
impressions. In reality, she is compassionate and deeply maternal. Her
love for her children is evident in her lullaby-like song, “Marilyn Monroe,”
which romanticises her dreams but also shows her vulnerability.
Despite her affection, her financial situation forces her into an impossible
decision — giving one of her twins away. Russell uses this act not to
condemn her, but to show the lengths a mother will go to provide a better
life. Her guilt remains throughout the play, especially when she sings, “My
child, my own, my own dear child.”
Mrs Johnstone’s strength is also notable. She raises a large family alone
after being abandoned. Her character is used by Russell to generate
audience sympathy and reflect the struggles of the working class.
Through Mrs Johnstone, Russell explores the intersection of class,
motherhood, and morality, portraying her not as cruel, but as a tragic
victim of her circumstances.
