A Taste of Honey: structure

Structure of “A Taste of Honey”

“A Taste of Honey” is a two-act play, with each act divided into scenes. Having a clear grasp of this structure allows for a deeper understanding of character growth and progression of principal and secondary storylines.
The first act introduces the main characters and lays the foundation for the pivotal conflicts of the play. It offers a view into the interplay between Jo and Helen, as well as a glimpse into Jo’s relationship with a sailor.
Act two propels the storyline at a rapid pace, creating a stark contrast with the initial scenes of domestic life.
Across both acts, Delaney uses real-time scenes, where actions on the stage mirror actions in real life, lending immediacy and realism to the play.

The playwright, Shelagh Delaney, uses a combination of time jumps and flashbacks. This non-linear timeline allows exploration of characters’ pasts and futures, which would be less feasible with a linear narrative.
The end of the play leaves Jo’s future uncertain, thereby fostering opportunities for varied interpretation, analysis and deeper understanding of her character.

The relationship between Jo and Helen serves as the cornerstone of the narrative structure. The first act shows their relationship deteriorating, while the second act portrays an improvement, orchestrating a particularly dramatic arc.

The play deftly weaves humourous and tragic elements, reflecting the vagaries of real life. Delaney’s effective structuring ensures a harmonious balance between these tones, thereby augmenting her play’s realism and relatability.

“A Taste of Honey” falls under the category of kitchen sink drama – a genre known to depict the ordinary realities of working-class life. Recognising this genre paves the way for understanding the play’s overall structure and themes.
The episodic structure employed by Delaney allows for the exploration of a variety of subjects and themes such as care, neglect, independence, dependence, race, and love.