Theme: Social Division
Theme: Social Division
Overview
- Social Division is a pervasive theme through John Byrne’s The Slab Boys.
- It powerfully illustrates the social inequalities and class divisions prevalent in post-war Scotland.
- The differences in social class create visible distinctions between the characters, thereby highlighting the play’s key societal commentary.
Representation of the Theme
- The Slab Room: It symbolises the lower class working conditions, reinforcing the social gap. Through the drudgery and monotony of the room, the restrictive impact of social class is emphasised.
- Characters: The characterization of players like Mr. Curry, Alan Downie and the slab boys further emphasises the class segregation.
- Dialogues: The use of language underscores social divide, as characters often passionate and bitter about their social limitations.
Examples
- Phil McCann’s aspiration to be a designer depicts the struggle of breaking societal barriers. His disillusionment about getting an art school interview signifies the choking grip of class divide.
- Mr Curry’s condescendence towards the Slab Boys further illustrates social snobbery. He perceives himself to be of a higher social standing and treats the boys dismissively.
- The difference in attitude towards Alan Downie, who comes from a more privileged background, shows how social class can influence people’s perceptions and behavior.
Significance of the Theme
- The social division as seen in the Slab Boys provides the audience with a brutally honest depiction of class struggles and ambitions.
- It reinforces the conflict between hope and reality, a fundamental aspect of the human condition.
- This theme also serves to reveal and criticise societal structure, highlighting the unfairness and hardships faced by the working class.
Interpretation of the Theme
- It’s possible to interpret the social division in the Slab Boys as a critique of class-bound society.
- The marginalisation of lower-class characters such as the slab boys could depict classism and the entrenched social hierarchy.
- John Byrne may be nudging audiences towards a call for action against the oppressive segregation.