Live Like Pigs: genre

Section: Genre Characteristics

Live Like Pigs falls under the genre of Social Realism.
John Arden, the author, focuses on portraying the socio-political climate of the time.
Notably, the play presents characters from the working class in a realistic and empathetic light.
It offers criticism of societal structures and classism, typical of Social Realism.
The narrative structure is linear, following a chronological progression.
It uses a naturalistic style of dialogue to capture the lives and dialect of the characters.

Section: Influences and Specifics

The play was penned in the 1950s, amidst a post-war period of societal change, and this significantly influenced the play’s themes and plot.
Class struggle is a key theme within Live Like Pigs, aligning with the Social Realist trend of focusing on socio-political issues.
The realities of living in a slum-like caravan site, with reference to poor living conditions and limited opportunities, are articulated with painful reality.
The detailed depiction of abject poverty links the play to the social commentary typical in Social Realist works.

Section: Effect on Audience

The play effectively engages its viewers through its gritty representation of the common man’s struggle.
The raw reality of the characters’ life evokes a deep emotional response, creating an impactful viewing experience.
As an audience, the viewers are compelled to contemplate and question the social injustices depicted, driving meaningful conversations about societal change.
The empathetic portrayal of the struggling working class as heroic and resilient also resonates with viewers, creating a profound reflective experience.