Language (Blood Brothers)

This section looks at the language used in the play Blood Brothers by Willy Russell.

Language in Blood Brothers is predominantly naturalistic, aiming to depict authentic conversations among characters. However, Russell strategically incorporates figurative language within the songs to underscore key themes.

A notable aspect of Russell's linguistic approach in Blood Brothers is the juxtaposition between the speech patterns of working-class and middle-class characters. Initially amusing for the audience, this linguistic contrast becomes more pronounced as the play unfolds, highlighting the stark divergence in the twins' lives and experiences due to their social backgrounds.

The naturalistic dialogue enables the characters' emotions to manifest through their fluency of speech. Intense feelings of distress or anger are often conveyed through fragmented syntax, characterised by pauses and incomplete phrases.

Furthermore, the stage directions serve as vital cues for understanding characters' emotional states during dialogue, while also suggesting tone to the reader. Analysing these directions provides deeper insights into the characters' inner turmoil and motivations.