Abigail's Party: Tom Paulin's 'Mockery' Statement

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Abigail’s Party by Mike Leigh encapsulates the exhausting economic changes in 1970’s Britain, and their effect on 1970’s British society. The play’s context is heavy, thus giving the opportunity for critics such as Tom Paulin to bluntly state what they think the play is about. Firstly, each character plays an important role in Abigail’s Party, representing the social standing of individuals in the 70’s era. The story starts with a setting, which reveals possessions of Beverly and Laurence. It is necessary to note the juxtaposition of the setting. Possessions such as ‘ornamental fibre light’ and a ‘telephone’ on the ‘room divider shelf unit’ isn’t considered posh, as Beverly thinks. There is a ‘leather three piece suite’, an ‘onyx coffee table’ and ‘sheepskin rug’; which clashes with the normal household furniture. This is symbolic of Beverly and Laurence, consequently establishing their characters as aspirational middle class. Therefore, this gives the idea that through Beverly and Laurence’s possessions, Leigh is mocking stereotypes like them from the 70’s. However, Angela reveals that she isn’t as possessive as Beverly when she remarks ‘ …But ours isn’t real leather, like this-it’s ‘leather look’. Beverly clearly brushes Angela off as she says, joylessly, ‘oh the leather look? Great.’ This implies that she isn’t happy with the term ‘leather look’. It also implies that Beverly isn’t interested in money- how expensive the sofa could be- as long as she considers it adequate. In effect, this reveals to us a specific character from the 70’s, possessive, and not valuing money (Act I). Through Beverly and Angela Leigh was able to express how people were in 70’s Britain; not appreciating money that they had. Furthermore, the 70’s are well-known for strikes and power cuts. This is the result of the economy in Britain, which inflated throughout the decade. Women had
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