Chapter 1: Act 1
The play opens on a Sunday afternoon as Jimmy Porter and Cliff read the paper while Allison irons the laundry. Jimmy and Alison are married, but their relationship is visibly strained. Jimmy and Cliff discuss the news, and their dialogue reveals a gulf between Alison and Jimmy that is more than just matrimonial. Alison comes from an upper middle-class family, and Jimmy is working-class. The socioeconomic disparity meant that Jimmy needed to prove himself to Alison's parents, but they still disapproved of him.
As the play continues, Jimmy becomes more emotionally abusive towards Alison, belittling her to Cliff. The two men roughhouse and accidentally overturn the ironing board, resulting in Alison burning her arm. Jimmy leaves, and Alison confides in Cliff that she's pregnant but can't tell Jimmy. When Jimmy returns, Alison tells him that Helena Charles, a friend of hers and an actress, will be staying with them for a while. This causes further strain between the couple since Jimmy hates Helena more than he despises Alison.
— New chapter is coming soon — Write a review