Introduction:
“Look Back in Anger” is a play written by John Osborne (1929-94) and was first performed in 1956. It is known for its depiction of the “angry young man” archetype and its exploration of social issues and personal relationships. The play concludes with Jimmy Porter, the protagonist, leaving his wife Alison and their friend Cliff in their flat.
Here are some points of discussion regarding the unsatisfactory nature of the ending:
Lack of Resolution:
The ending of “Look Back in Anger” is open-ended and lacks a clear resolution. The play concludes with Jimmy’s wife, Alison, returning to him after leaving him earlier. However, their reconciliation doesn’t provide a definitive resolution to the conflicts and tensions portrayed throughout the play. The lack of closure can leave the audience feeling unsatisfied and questioning the fate of the characters.
More Notes: Look Back in Anger
Inconclusive Character Development:
Throughout the play, Jimmy’s character is depicted as angry, bitter, and disillusioned with society. However, the ending doesn’t provide a significant shift or development in his character. Some argue that the lack of growth or change in Jimmy’s outlook leaves the audience without a sense of closure or resolution to his story arc.
Again, Some argue that the characters, particularly Alison and Helena, are not fully developed and their actions in the final scene feel inconsistent. Here we find Helena saying,
“I want you to hate me. I want you to feel as I felt when I saw you loving someone else.”
Emotional Ambiguity:
The ending of “Look Back in Anger” can be seen as emotionally ambiguous. While Alison returns to Jimmy, the reasons for her return and the future of their relationship remain uncertain. The emotional ambiguity can leave the audience feeling unsettled and dissatisfied, as they are left wondering about the true nature of the characters’ feelings and the potential outcomes.
Disconnection from Social and Political Context:
The play is often praised for its portrayal of social and political issues of its time, such as class struggle and disillusionment with post-war society. However, some critics argue that the ending of the play fails to effectively address or resolve these larger social and political themes. This can lead to a sense of dissatisfaction, as the play’s thematic concerns are left hanging without a satisfactory conclusion.
Realism:
The unsatisfactory nature of the ending can be seen as a deliberate artistic choice by Osborne. He reflects on the harsh realities of life. The lack of resolution and ambiguity mirror the unresolved conflicts and complexities of relationships and society itself. In this sense, the ending can be viewed as a reflection of the play’s overall themes.
The ending can be seen as symbolically representing the broader societal issues and tensions of the time, rather than focusing solely on the individual characters. Alison says,
“Oh, you’ll get over it in a few years, and you’ll be happier than you’ve ever been. […] I’ve never thought about anything except myself. You taught me to be selfish.”
Conclusion
It’s important to note that while the ending of “Look Back in Anger” has been considered unsatisfactory by some, it has also been lauded for its realism, challenging societal norms, and capturing the complexities of human relationships. Different interpretations and opinions exist regarding the play’s ending, and its unsatisfactory nature for some may be seen as a deliberate artistic choice by the playwright.
