ABSTRACT

For British playwright, John Osborne, there are no brave causes; only people who muddle through life, who hurt, and are often hurt in return. This study deals with Osborne's complete oeuvre and critically examines its form and technique; the function of the gaze; its construction of gender; and the relationship between Osborne's life and work. Gilleman has also traced the evolution of Osborne's reception by turning to critical reviews at the beginning of each chapter.

chapter |13 pages

Beyond Anger

Osborne's Wrestle with Language and Meaning

chapter |9 pages

Osborne on the Fault Line

Jimmy Porter on the Postmodern Verge

chapter |20 pages

The Logic of Anger and Despair

A Pragmatic Approach to John Osborne's Look Back in Anger

chapter |12 pages

Luther

The Morbid Grandeur of Corporeal History

chapter |20 pages

From out of the Shadow of Nicol Williamson

Inadmissible Evidence

chapter |19 pages

Seduced by Meritocracy

Class and Sexuality in a Patriot for me

chapter |8 pages

“Honey, I Blew up the Ego”

John Osborne's Déjávu