Blood Brothers - Themes test questions - Edexcel - GCSE English Literature Revision

1

Read this extract and use it to answer questions 1-3.

MRS LYONS

Doesn’t one get piles when one’s pregnant? And buy a cot and . . . Oh help me with this, Mrs J. Is it in the right place?

(She puts the cushion back again.)

I want it to look right before I go shopping.

MRS JOHNSTONE

(helping her with the false pregnancy)

What you goin’ the shops for? I do the shopping.

MRS LYONS

Oh no, from now on I do the shopping. I want everyone to know about my baby.

(She suddenly reaches for the Bible).

(Music.)

Mrs J, we must make a, erm, a binding agreement.

(MRS LYONS shows the Bible to MRS JOHNSTONE, who is at first reluctant and then lays her hand on it.

The NARRATOR enters.

A bass note, repeated as a heartbeat.)

NARRATOR

In the name of Jesus, the thing was done

Now there’s no going back, for anyone.

It’s too late now, for feeling torn

There’s a pact been sealed, there’s a deal been born.

(MRS LYONS puts the Bible away. MRS JOHNSTONE stands and stares as MRS LYONS, grabs shopping bags and takes a last satisfied glance at herself in the mirror.)

MRS JOHNSTONE

Why . . . why did we have to do that?

MRS LYONS

Mrs J, nobody must ever know. Therefore we have to have an agreement.

(MRS JOHNSTONE nods but is still uncomfortable.)

Which is the main theme that this extract is linked to?

Violence

Superstition

Social class

2

Why does the Narrator appear during this extract?

To remind the audience of the fate of the twins (which is being sealed here)

He gives Mrs Lyons the Bible

For comic relief

3

What is the significance of the Narrator’s line Now there’s no going back, for anyone.?

He is warning Mrs Johnstone not to swear on the Bible

It reminds the audience that the boys are destined to die at the end of the play

He is suggesting that Mrs Lyons is already regretting her decision

4

Read this extract and use it to answer questions 4-6.

MICKEY

Nothin’. How’s University?

EDWARD

Mickey, it’s fantastic. I haven’t been to so many parties in my life. And there’s just so many tremendous people, but you’ll meet them Mick, some of them, Baz, Ronnie and Clare and oh, lots of them. They’re coming over to stay for the New Year, for the party. Ooh it’s just … it’s great, Mickey.

MICKEY

Good.

EDWARD

Come on, what’s wrong? It’s nearly Christmas, we were going to do everything. How’s Linda?

MICKEY

She’s OK.

EDWARD

(trying again to rally him) Well, come on then, let’s go then... come on.

MICKEY

Come on where?

EDWARD

Mickey, what’s wrong?

MICKEY

You. You’re a dick head!

(EDWARD is slightly unsure but laughs anyway.)

There are no parties arranged. There is no booze or music. Christmas? I’m sick to the teeth of Christmas an’ it isn’t even here yet. See, there’s very little to celebrate, Eddie. Since you left I’ve been walking around all day, every day, lookin’ for a job.

Which theme is this extract linked to?

Violence

Superstition

Social class

5

Why is Mickey angry with Edward?

He wants Edward to give him money

He knows that Edward is attracted to Linda

He is frustrated with being unemployed and Edward does not understand

6

Why isn’t Edward more understanding about Mickey’s situation?

He cannot empathise with Mickey because his family would be able to support him and help him find a job if he was unemployed

He wants Mickey to go to university with him

He is angry because he wasn’t invited to Mickey and Linda’s wedding

7

Read this extract and use it to answer questions 7-9.

MRS LYONS

I’ll get it for you. If you move away from here. How much?

MRS JOHNSTONE

Look...

MRS LYONS

How much?

MRS JOHNSTONE

Nothin’! Nothing. (Pause) You bought me off once before...

MRS LYONS

Thousands... I’m talking about thousands if you want it. And think what you could do with money like that.

MRS JOHNSTONE

I’d spend it. I’d buy more junk and trash; that’s all. I don’t want your money. I’ve made a life out here. It’s not much of one maybe, but I made it. I’m stayin’ here. You move if you want to.

MRS LYONS

I would. But there’s no point. You’d just follow me again wouldn’t you?

MRS JOHNSTONE

Look I’m not followin’ anybody.

MRS LYONS

Wherever I go you’ll be just behind me. I know that now... always for ever and ever like, like a shadow... unless I can... make... you go... But you won’t so...

(We see that throughout the above, MRS LYONS has opened the knife drawer and has a lethal-looking kitchen knife in her hand. MRS JOHNSTONE, unaware, has her back to her. On impulse, and punctuated by a note, MRS JOHNSTONE wheels. On a punctuated note MRS LYONS lunges again but MRS JOHNSTONE manages to get hold of her wrist, rendering the knife hand helpless. MRS JOHNSTONE takes the knife form MRS LYONS grasp and moves away.)

MRS JOHNSTONE

(staring at her; knowing) YOU’RE MAD. MAD.

Which two themes is this extract linked to?

Violence and Superstition

Superstition and Social Class

Social Class and Violence

8

Why does Mrs Johnstone refuse Mrs Lyons’ offer of money to move away?

She wants more money from Mrs Lyons

She is happy with her life now and feels that money is not as important as being independent and settled

Mrs Lyons is correct that Mrs Johnstone was following her

9

Why does Mrs Lyons react violently to Mrs Johnstone?

She feels out of control and violence is the only thing she has left

She thinks that if she kills Mrs Johnstone, Edward will stop being friends with Mickey

She has been influenced by Sammy

10

Which theme does the Narrator suggest is the most important at the end of the play?

Superstition

Violence

Social class