Mrs Lyons

Question 1

“You swore on the Bible”

Answer 1

1 - Mrs Lyons. Manipulative nature against Mrs Johnstone – use of religious imagery to portray how religion is used to control and guilt the vulnerable, highlights a power imbalance between both women, both Mrs Lyons and Mrs Johnstone – she is able to exploit the working class through fear and superstition

2 - juxtaposes the large scale views that upper class women were morally better than the lower classes - maintains power and showcases how fear can corrupt values

3 - foreshadows the irrevocable destiny

Question 2

“You learn filth from them”

Answer 2

1 - deep rooted prejudice she beholds against the working class - she does not just disapprove of Mickey and his family, yet sees them as socially inferior - demonisation of the poor?

2 - Mrs Lyons claims to protect Edward from filth, yet becomes, over time, increasingly irrational, violet and manipulative – Russell uses irony to show that it is normally Mrs Lyons who descends morally, questioning the audience’s assumptions about class and morality.

3 - “them” showcases the large class divide that the 2 classes have

Question 3

“Wherever I go you’ll be behind me”

Answer 3

1 - Mrs Lyons is now consumed in guilt and fear - growing paranoia of Mrs Johnstone as she still sees her as a threat - despite her higher status she feels insecure of the power balance she bestows

2 - Inescapability of class boundaries, perhaps it is not a reference to Mrs Johnstone but instead one to show the class system will always follow her - inextricable link between rich and poor

3 - shows how her actions will too follow her - wealth cannot erase conscience - “Devil’s got ya number Xx”