A Tale of Two Worlds
Blood Brothers, a play woven with threads of fate, social commentary, and the enduring power of family bonds, captivates audiences with its raw portrayal of lives intertwined. Yet, beneath the surface of this gripping narrative lies a deeper exploration of human frailty, subtly mirrored in the enduring concept of the Seven Deadly Sins. This article delves into Willy Russell’s “Blood Brothers”, exploring how the play, though not explicitly structured around the Saligia, ingeniously utilizes these cardinal vices – Pride, Greed, Lust, Envy, Gluttony, Wrath, and Sloth – to dissect themes of class disparity, the iron grip of destiny, and the devastating repercussions born from societal pressures within a family fractured by circumstance. The Saligia, an acronym formed from the first letter of each sin, acts as an invisible hand, subtly shaping the characters’ actions and ultimately dictating the tragic course of their lives.
The Foundations of Self-Importance
Pride, that insidious feeling of self-importance, subtly fuels the actions of several characters in “Blood Brothers”. The most blatant example lies in Mrs. Lyons, whose initial pride in her social standing and fear of losing her place in society compels her to desperate measures. Her decision to take Edward and hide the truth from Mrs. Johnstone is rooted in a desperate attempt to maintain her facade of control and the perceived superiority of her class. She is blinded by her own ambition and fear of judgment, leading her to make increasingly erratic and manipulative choices. This pride manifests as a constant need for validation, a denial of reality, and a willingness to prioritize her own perceived needs above the well-being of others. Her pride isolates her, making her paranoid and ultimately contributing to the play’s tragic climax.
The Allure of Acquisition
Greed, the insatiable desire for more, also plays a significant role in driving the narrative. Mrs. Lyons’ greed, not for material possessions but for a child of her own, triggers the initial separation of the twins. This initial act of greed, fueled by loneliness and desperation, becomes the catalyst for the play’s unfolding tragedies. Throughout the play, the yearning for a child becomes the source of her manipulations and paranoia. This hunger for possessing something— Edward— that isn’t rightfully hers demonstrates greed’s destructive nature. The consequences of her greed ripple throughout the play, ultimately impacting the lives of all involved, further showing the devastating consequences of wanting more than one needs.
The Seeds of Desire
Lust, in its various forms, also weaves its way into the fabric of “Blood Brothers”. While the play does not feature overt displays of sexuality, the undercurrent of unspoken desire and the allure of forbidden connections permeates the narrative. The innocent affections that bloom between Edward and Linda carry a hint of the forbidden, heightened by their backgrounds and societal expectations. Furthermore, the hints of attraction between Mrs. Lyons and Mr. Lyons adds another layer. While less explicit, the suggestion of longing and attraction serves to highlight the complexity of human emotions and relationships within the play. This subtly hints at the dangers that can arise when social conventions clash with human desires, contributing to the tensions that eventually lead to tragedy.
The Pain of Comparison
Envy, the bitter resentment of another’s possessions or advantages, is a powerful undercurrent driving the play’s dramatic tension. Mrs. Lyons’ envy toward Mrs. Johnstone – for her fertility, her natural bond with her children, and her perceived innocence – contributes significantly to her increasingly erratic behavior. This envy fuels her paranoia and her determination to control the lives of Mickey and Edward. The societal divide between the two women, the disparity in their access to resources and opportunities, creates a breeding ground for this destructive emotion. Furthermore, the rivalry between Edward and Mickey, both unknowingly vying for Linda’s affection, also touches on envy. The differing experiences and backgrounds, which are the direct result of class differences, deepen these feelings and exacerbate the tensions that ultimately lead to tragic misunderstandings and conflict.
The Consumption of Emotions
Gluttony, the overindulgence in anything to the point of excess, is reflected in the characters’ emotional responses and, at times, their physical actions. While not as literal as overeating, the characters of “Blood Brothers” frequently exhibit a gluttonous approach to their emotions. They overindulge in grief, anger, fear, and even joy, often without considering the long-term implications of their actions. Mickey’s descent into depression and reliance on medication following his imprisonment showcases a form of emotional gluttony; he is consuming the burden of his suffering. Mrs. Lyons’ obsessive control and paranoia can also be viewed as a form of emotional gluttony, where she consumes and internalizes all the worries and anxieties.
The Fury that Consumes
Wrath, the uncontrolled anger that leads to violence, serves as a prominent force in the play’s climax. It is anger that fuels Mickey’s desperation and ultimately leads him to tragic acts. The anger is rooted in societal injustice, economic hardship, and the weight of his difficult circumstances. The frustration Mickey feels, combined with his mental and emotional struggles, finally boils over and erupts in a moment of violence. Mrs. Lyons’ actions are also driven by a form of wrath. Her desperation and jealousy manifest as an uncontrollable rage that culminates in her willingness to go to any length to control the destiny of the twins.
The Grip of Apathy
Sloth, often associated with laziness, manifests as a lack of care and indifference towards the plight of others, and towards the larger forces at play in the brothers’ lives. It is the indifference of the authorities, the lack of opportunities for the working class, and the prevailing social attitudes that contribute to the tragedies within “Blood Brothers”. The characters’ seeming inability to break free from the cycles of poverty, hardship, and despair could be seen as a form of societal sloth. This inability to change their situation demonstrates how the forces of society, and the individual actions of the characters, prevent change, and the tragedies that result.
The Threads of Fate and Superstition
Beyond the Saligia, “Blood Brothers” relies heavily on the concept of fate and superstition to heighten the sense of inevitability. The recurring presence of the narrator, a figure who foreshadows events and underscores the characters’ entrapment, serves as a constant reminder of the predetermined course of their lives. The pact between the blood brothers, a symbol of their unbreakable bond, ironically becomes the instrument of their destruction. The reliance on superstition, particularly the warnings of the narrator and the mothers’ fears, adds a layer of dramatic irony and underscores the characters’ awareness, and fear, of a looming disaster. This blend of fate and superstition, intertwined with the themes of the Saligia, creates an atmosphere of inescapable tragedy, amplifying the impact of the play’s themes.
A Lasting Legacy
In conclusion, “Blood Brothers” is a powerful exploration of human nature, social injustice, and the cyclical nature of tragedy. By weaving the Seven Deadly Sins into the narrative tapestry, Willy Russell highlights the destructive power of human failings and the devastating consequences of social inequality. The pride of Mrs. Lyons, the greed that drove her, the temptations of Lust, Envy between the characters, Gluttony for their emotions, the Wrath that leads to their destruction, and finally the Sloth, or disregard of the forces around them, each sin contributes to the play’s powerful and emotional impact. The enduring relevance of “Blood Brothers” lies in its ability to confront universal themes of family, friendship, class, and the complex interplay of fate and free will, and the ways human actions and desires can create their own tragedies. The play serves as a lasting reminder of the destructive forces that can arise when societal pressures, combined with the temptations of the Seven Deadly Sins, corrupt the human spirit. Ultimately, “Blood Brothers” is not just a story; it is a cautionary tale, a poignant reminder of the inherent fallibility of humanity and the enduring power of the Saligia.
