John Osborne spoke out in a vein of ebullient, free-wheeling rancour that betokened the arrival of something new in the theatre - a sophisticated, articulate lower-class. Most of the critics were offended by Jimmy Porter, but not on account of his anger; a working-class hero is expected to be angry. What nettled them was something quite different: his self-confidence. This was no envious inferior whose insecurity they could pity.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Osborne notes that the new theatre style features a confident working‑class hero, which unsettles critics more than his anger.
- In plain terms
- Critics were upset by the hero's confidence, not his anger.
- What can you take from it?
- Confidence can be more threatening than overt anger.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why does confidence provoke discomfort?
- How does class shape audience expectations?
Another view
The analysis may overlook other factors influencing critics.
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Permalink to quote #6 Archie Rice: Don't clap too hard - it's a very old building.
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