Literature-In-English Paper 3 WASSCE (PC), 2021

Question 5

     

    JOHN OSBORNE: Look Back in Anger
    Show how Jimmy’s anger dominates the play.


Observation

 

This question was rather unpopular as only very few candidates attempted it.

The question requires the candidates to:

  • Relate the theme of anger to the question.
  • Provide a detailed character description of Jimmy as a young, unemployed and frustrated graduate; He is tall, thin and restless; He is 25 years.
  • Comment on how anger dominates the actions of the play: Jimmy expresses anger at everything and everyone; Anger leads to the climax of the plot where Alison abandons her home and eventually, to the resolution, where Alison returns to reconcile with her husband.
  • Comment on how anger dominates the mood of the play: Jimmy opens the play with an outburst of anger and frustration; Violent outbursts characterise the play.
  • Comment on how humour tones down the anger. In spite of the pervading mood of frustration, there are moments of humour.

Candidates did not highlight these and thus scored low marks.