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.