Look Back in Anger Book Summary

A Brief Overview:

• Look Back in Anger deconstructed not just the traditional notions of sexuality, but also the notion of domestic life, exposing its vitriolic undercurrent. Osborne through Jimmy Porter represented the “angry young man” era in post-war Britain and their disillusionment.

Act I: Constructing a Stage to Showcase Conflict

Osborne begins the drama in a Midland town’s attic room, where he familiarizes us with the setting and the protagonists, Jimmy Porter and Alison – a young English married couple, who deal with class conflicts. 

Alison belongs to an upper-class family while, Jimmy although highly educated, belongs to the working class. The couple shares their apartment with Cliff Lewis – a friend and a business partner of Jimmy. 

• Beginning of the Act

The scene starts on a Sunday morning with Cliff and Jimmy reading the newspaper while Alison ironing clothes. The first act is mostly made up of Jimmy’s short-tempered nature and angry rants about the upper class. He provokes Alison by complaining about her lack of enthusiasm. 

As the act goes on, Jimmy’s effort to insult Alison intensifies. So much so that Cliff had to intervene in between. But, it was too late – and Alison begged Jimmy to leave the room.

• Alison Disclose Her Pregnancy to Cliff

After Jimmy departs from the room, Cliff helps Alison with her burnt arm as she discloses that she is pregnant with Jimmy’s child. But she has not told Jimmy yet because she’s afraid of Jimmy’s anger. Cliff consoles Alison and asks her to share the news with Jimmy. 

• Game of Bear and Squirrel 

When Jimmy walks into the room, Alison and he have a pleasant moment together. They engage in their bear and squirrel game – where they escape to the animal world to show love. 

• Call from Helena Charles

Cliff returns to the scene and informs Alison’s friend Helena Charles has called. On hearing this news, Jimmy’s mood changes drastically. He detests Helena as she belongs to the upper strata of society. He becomes insane when he learns Helena is coming for a short stay and curses Alison to have a baby that should die for her to understand real pain. 

Act II: Tensions Escalates 

In the second act, we notice the further declination of Jimmy-Alison’s relationship. Their underlying tension comes to the surface, eventually leading to confrontation.

• Arrival of Helena

Two weeks later, the second act begins with the arrival of Helena. Alison and Helena share the household chores while conversing about the initial days of Alison and Jimmy when they stayed with Jimmy’s friend – Hugh Tunner.  

• Jimmy’s Rant and Frustration

As Jimmy and Cliff come back to eat, Jimmy is infuriated upon hearing that Alison and Helena are going to church. He goes on a rant mode dissing religion, Alison and the upper-class society. Helena tries to calm him but all in vain. He talks about losing his father due to the Spanish Civil War. 

• Jimmy Receives a Phone Call

Meanwhile, Jimmy leaves the room to get a phone call. As soon as he leaves, Helena informs Alison that she has asked Alison’s father – Colonel Redfern to rescue her from this horrible atmosphere. 

Jimmy returns with the bad news of Hugh’s mom being on the deathbed. He demands Alison to accompany him to the hospital, but she denies it and visits the church. This inflicted a sense of betrayal on Jimmy.

• Letter of Alison 

The next day, Alison writes a letter to Jimmy and leaves the house with her father bidding goodbye to Cliff. With the turn of events, Cliff is upset with Helena and leaves before the arrival of Jimmy.

Helena hands over Alison’s letter to Jimmy and informs him about Alison’s pregnancy. Instead of being happy, Jimmy insults Helena. She hits back at Jimmy and the two share a passionate kiss.

Act III: Series of Confrontations

Act III resembles the beginning of Act I only Helena has taken over Alison’s role. But soon, everything takes a turn on Alison’s arrival.

• Return of Alison

Alison’s sudden return has impacted the overall dynamics. During a conversation between Alison and Helena, we come to know that Alison has lost the baby. On hearing this, Helena calls Jimmy into the room and confronts him. Helena discloses to Jimmy that she is leaving as she realised her wrongdoings. 

• Alison-Jimmy Patch Up

Jimmy like usual goes on to insult Alison. However, this time Alison informs him that the loss of the child has helped her understand the turmoil that Jimmy wanted her to acknowledge. Jimmy can’t see her suffer like this and in the end, starts their game of bear and squirrel.