Observation

This question requires the candidates to examine the character portrayal of Jimmy in the novel.
Candidates were expected to discuss:

• The central theme of social class conflict in Post-World-War II Britain.
• Character Identification: Jimmy Porter is a 25-year-old graduate. He is married to Alison with whom he lives in a bed-sitter. He is a working class young man. He is educated but dresses poorly. He is full of himself and very vulgar in language.
• Jimmy’s relationships: He is condescending to his friend, Cliff. He is aggressive towards his wife, Alison and nagging. He has a strong aversion towards his father-in-law, Colonel Redfern. He treats Helena with contempt and aloofness even after they co-habit.
• Reactions from the other characters: Cliff, his own friend thinks he is not fair to Alison, his wife. Cliff withstands his verbal excesses; Alison endures his tantrums. Colonel and Mrs Redfern think he is an odious character and regret their daughter married him.

• Ramifications of Jimmy’s character: this manifests the social class conflict of his time i.e. unemployment, marriage, discrimination and disenchantment of the youth.

Candidates’ performance in this question was good.