Edward

Question 1

Contrast of “Gis a sweet & “Take as many as you want”

Answer 1

1 - shows how Edward is less affected by poverty due to his middle-class status, he has an abundance of items, while Mickey has none – Edward, even though just a child, has to worry about no limits

2 - “Gis a sweet “ - poverty strips children of pleasures often taken for granted - sympathise for Mickey?

3 - foreshadows later power imbalance, Edward is able to give freely while Mickey is always asking - “it used to be just sweets an ciggies he gave me”

Question 2

“I wish I could be like [..] run around with dirty knees like”

Answer 2

1 - reflects Edwards naivety – he doesn’t understand the harsh reality of working-class life, for children, perhaps the class divide is perception, each twin envies a life that was chosen isn’t theirs to live

2 - Edward is romanticising Mickey’s childhood, longing for the freedom and authenticity it beholds - when your young class has no meaning

3 - foreshadows the later tension - roles switch as they get older shows how class only affects you when you grow out of your youthful lens

Question 3

“I’ve got money, plenty of it”

Answer 3

1 - naive willingness to help Mickey – believes money is the solution to all problems - money won’t help when you are older, perhaps the upbringings are the most important

2 - “Plenty of it” - signifies abundance, casual addition of the phrase showcases that Edward’s material power over Mickey - foreshadows later in the play