Mrs Johnstone Revision Cards

Struggling:

Mrs Johnstone has led a difficult life at quite a young age.

"By the time I was twenty five, I looked like forty two, with seven hungry mouths to feed and one more nearly due".

Although Mrs Johnstone is at a relatively young age, she already has too many children to be able to support. Her difficult life has taken its toll on her physical appearance, which reflects the mental and emotional struggles she has had.

Superstitious:

Mrs Johnstone reveals her superstitious nature to Mrs Lyons when she sees he putting new shoes on the table.

"Oh God, Mrs Lyons, never put new shoes on a table ... You never know what'll happen".

Mrs Johnstone's fears are irrational and demostrate her lack of education. Through revealing her superstitious nature to Mrs Lyons, she gives her a way of manipulating her.

More mature after moving house:

When she has moved to the countryside, Mrs Johnstone becomes more sensible and focused on what really matters in her life.

"I don't want your money. I've made a life out here. It's not much of one maybe, but I made it".

When Mrs Lyons tries to pay Mrs Johnstone to leave the area they both live in, she now has the strength to refuse. After having a fresh start, Mrs Johnstone gains confidence in herself and does not allow Mrs Lyons to manipulate her in the same way that she is able to at the start of the play.

Blood Brothers begins and ends with Mrs Johnstone. Once a beautiful young woman, she sings about how she was duped by a smooth-talking, who told her she was "like Marilyn Monroe". They go dancing, get married, have lots of children - and then he leaves her, looking old before her time.

Mrs Johnstone struggles to cope. Her home is poor, and she lives from "the catalogue" - "on the never never". She finds it hard to say no, and is in constant money trouble. She is weak - willed, superstitious and easily bullied. Her children are wild and badily behaved - "The Welfare" continually threaten to take them from her.