Mrs.Johnstone
by Shakir Ali
1. Russell portrays Mrs. Johnstone's pain by making her repeat the line "Tell me it's not true Say it's just a story". This quote shows how she doesn't want to believe that the tragedy has occurred, thus emphasising her immense grief and sorrow. And creates sympathy for her from the beginning.
2. When Mrs.Johnstone is pregnant she says "I need milk”, however Russell makes her unable to pay for milk (a cheap,basic necessity).By doing so, he shows her difficulties & creates sympathy for her.
3. While Mrs.Johnstone is unable to control her kid. She "loves the bones of every one of them", the hyperbole emphasizes her love for her children. And redeems her actions slightly, as she only gave Edward away so that he could have a better life.
4. Mrs.Johnstone relives her past and being "sexier than Marilyn Monroe". Marilyn here is a motif to show Mrs.Johnstone's dream of perfection and a glamorous lifestyle.Creating sympathy for her..
5. When Mrs.Johnstone's children begin to complain, they do so from off stage. This allows the audience to imagine her crowded house and emphasise how she is surrounded by overwhelming responsibilities but she is all alone. Evoking sympathy for her.
6. Mrs.Johnstone is treated unfairly by society. When confronted by the police he addresses her as “love”. He uses informal & conceding language to show how he sees her as inferior and how he may be sexist.He also uses vulgar language "bloody" when speaking to her showing his disrespect towards her.
7. When Edward speaks to Mrs.Johnstone,she attempts to use higher vocabulary. Showing her desire for a new start.
8. Mrs.Johnstone refers to Edward as “Eddie” unlike Mrs. Lyons who doesn't. This shows the deep connection between Mrs.Johnstone & Edward as nicknames are mostly used for those whom a person loves dearly and is very close to.
9. The fact that Micky has “to go at seven” to bed, shows that whilst Mrs.Johnstone is leient she maintains some regulation.
10. Russell shows us Mrs.Johnstones lack of control, as she is succumbed to her children through the repetition of catalogue.
11. Mrs.Johnstone is not very intelligent as she is of the lower class. This is shown through her repetition of questions emphasising her obedience to Mrs. Lyons & makes her seem more gullible.
12. In Mrs.Johnstone’s song “I must not learn to call you mine”, Russel makes her describe giving a baby away in the same manner as furniture. Hinting to the fact that her dis-regard caused the tragedy.
13. However, When Mrs.Johnstone agrees to give away Edward she only nods. She doesn’t verbally agree showing her reluctance and how she has been pressured into this decision.
14. Russell also presents constant people asking for money from Mrs.Johnstone at a time of happiness to shoe how Mrs.Johnstone’s problems are endless. Thus, making the audience feel sympathy towards her.
15. Mrs.Johnstone has “spent all her bleedin’ life knowin’, she shouldn't". The emphasise created through the word “shouldn't” makes it clear that she is not completely innocent, as her lack of self-control is part of the problem. Showing that she could control her life and financial situation but lacks the self-control to do so.
16. Mrs.Johnstone is constantly interrupted, showing how her life problems get in the way of her dreaming and how she can't escape poverty. Thus, creating sympathy for her.
17. Russell presents Mrs.Johnstone's character flaw as her belief in superstition (which is seen as a typical belief of the un-educated). And it's the very thing which stops her from telling Edward the truth. Also making her vulnerable to Mrs. Lyons.
18. Mrs.Johnstone “grabs Micky and hugs him", this is an example of her physically affection. Which could suggest why she loses control of her kids.
19. When Edward begins to cry “she takes him, cradling him, letting him cry”. Once again, we are shown that she is physically affectionate with her kids. The verb “cradle” applies to babies & not to 7-year olds, this shows how Mrs.Johnstone is trying to go back in time and fulfil the protective role of a mother which she was denied. This contrast between now & before alongside with short sentences show how her maternal instincts are stronger than her fear of superstition.
20. By Mrs.Johnstone giving Edward her locket & constant repetition shows how she has a close, strong and positive relationship with Edward unlike his relationship with Mrs. Lyons. Here, Russell is suggesting that Mrs.Johnstones maternal instincts are “spilling over”.
21. Mrs.Johnstones maternal instincts are also shown when she gives away Edward. Her optimism and dreams of a better life are her biggest source of motivation. She gives away Edward in the hope that Edward will have a better future and will not have to “worry where his next meal was comin’ from”. Thus, redeeming Mrs.Johnstones actions slightly.
22. Russell also shows that Mrs.Johnstone is religiously sensitive; however, this becomes another flaw by which Mrs. Lyons manipulates Mrs.Johnstone(using the Bible). Ironically, the entire pact is against the bible and involves deception.
23. Russell also makes a connection between the money Mrs.Johnstone owes and her agreement through “Debt”-” a debt is a debt. And must be paid. "Reminding the audience that she will have to pay for this agreement.
24. Mrs.Johnstone’s slogan “easy terms” is a reference to debt. Here Russell foreshadows the tragic end, reminding the audience that Mrs.Johnstone’s actions will not go un-punished.
25. The fact that Mrs.Johnstone is “used to it” reminds the audience that this isn't the first time she hasn’t been able to pay her debt. Painting a picture of a women who has lost control emphasising that she was not forced to give away Edward but rather her choices put her in that situation.
26. Mrs.Johnstone allows Sammy “to play with matches”, this shows that she is particularly lenient on her kids even though they handle dangerous items. Perhaps hinting that her leniency caused the tragedy.
27. Her constant reference to the motif of "Monroe", emphasizes her optimistic nature despite her tragic status. Thus, adding a greater impact to her loss at the end.
28. The Narrator quickly judges Mrs.Johnstone as "so cruel", despite her story. Thereby creating sympathy from the audience for her.
