Key quote: "As like each other as two new pins/Of one womb born, on the self same day"
The Narrator, Act 1
Enjoying Flashcards?
Tell us what you think
Key quote: "As like each other as two new pins/Of one womb born, on the self same day"
The Narrator, Act 1
Analysis
The twins' deep connection is emphasised, setting the stage for the nature versus nurture debate.
Key quote: "You learn filth from them and behave like this, like a, like a horrible little boy, like them. But you are not like them"
Mrs Lyons, Act 1
Analysis
Mrs Lyons highlights the social class divide and her belief in the influence of upbringing, revealing her hypocritical attitudes.
Key quote: "I wish I could still believe in all that blood brother stuff. But I can't, because while no one was looking I grew up"
Mickey, Act 2
Analysis
Mickey's disillusionment with the idea of blood brotherhood reflects the influence of the twins' upbringing and challenges the nature versus nurture debate.
Key quote: "Don't you know what a dictionary is?"
Edward, Act 1
Analysis
Edward's surprise at Mickey's lack of vocabulary highlights their class differences and depicts Edward's sheltered upbringing.
Key quote: "It used to be just sweets an' ciggies he gave me"
Mickey, Act 2
Analysis
Mickey's frustration with Edward's financial assistance underscores their social divide and its impact on their relationship.
Key quote: "There's shoes on the table an' a joker in the pack/Someone broke the lookin' glass...Now y' know the devil's got your number, y' know he's gonna find ya"
The Narrator, Act 1
Analysis
The narrator's superstitious rhymes foreshadow the tragic consequences of the play and link social class with fate and superstition.
Key quote: "... they say that if either twin learns that he once was a pair, that they shall both immediately die"
Mrs Lyons, Act 1
Analysis
Mrs Lyons manipulates superstition to maintain social class divisions, revealing her deceitful nature and its tragic consequences.
Key quote: "And do we blame superstition for what came to pass? Or could it be what we, the English, have come to know as class?"
The Narrator, Act 2
Analysis
The narrator's rhetorical questions prompt the audience to reflect on the role of superstition and social class in shaping fate, challenging societal perceptions.
Key quote: "Mrs Johnstone has opened the knife drawer, and has a lethal-looking knife in her hand"
Stage directions, Act 2
Analysis
The stage directions depict Mrs Lyons's violent actions, highlighting the link between powerlessness, mental deterioration and violence.
Key quote: "You can get up off the ground again / It doesn't matter / The whole thing's just a game"
The Narrator, Act 1
Analysis
Childhood innocence is contrasted with violence, suggesting the normalisation of aggression from a young age.