Character: Lucille Bentley

Character: Lucille Bentley

Overview

  • Lucille Bentley is a significant character in The Slab Boys by John Byrne.
  • Representing a symbol of aspiration and class transformation, she becomes the target of Phil and Spanky’s romantic interests.
  • Lucille is the only female character in a male-dominated environment.

Personality Traits

  • Ambitious: Lucille displays a strong desire to rise above her current status, evident from her attempts to secure a design job.
  • Pragmatic: She has a realistic understanding of her socioeconomic circumstances and seeks the best opportunities available.
  • Resilient: Despite the misogyny she faces, Lucille stays determined and fights for her place in a patriarchal society.

Relationships

  • Phil McCann: Lucille rejects Phil’s invitation to the staff dance, yet shows sympathetic understanding of his difficult home life.
  • Alan Downie: An art school student, Alan represents the social elevation she aspires to, making him a more appealing romantic prospect despite his condescending attitude.
  • Slab Boys: Lucille continuously faces their sexist banter but remains composed, showing her resilience.

Evolution of Character

  • Lucille’s character does not experience drastic change throughout the play, but rather, her experiences serve to illustrate the struggles of working-class women.
  • Her pragmatic rejection of Phil and acceptance of Alan highlight the class disparity and the role of ambition in socio-economic mobility.
  • Lucille’s resilience and ambition underline the theme of class struggle and the desire for social elevation.

Character Interpretation

  • Lucille can be seen as a depiction of working-class ambition and a critique of gender inequality and class distinction.
  • Her character challenges the male-dominated societal dynamics and emphasizes the striving for personal growth and social mobility amid grim factory life.