Character Resolutions: A Mixed Bag of Fortunes

The ending of "The SLAR Boys" offers a nuanced resolution for each character, reflecting the complexities of life and the themes explored throughout the play. Let's examine how each character fares:

Spanky Farrell

Spanky's ending embodies the tension between optimism and reality. His ability to defuse situations with humor and maintain hope for promotion showcases resilience.

Quote: "It was half-full this morning" and "Wait till I get my desk."

These lines highlight Spanky's persistent optimism. However, his repeated passed-over for promotion suggests a harsh reality where rebellion and humor may hinder professional advancement.

Hector MacKenzie

Hector's arc demonstrates the rewards of conformity within the system. His promotion at the end serves as a stark contrast to the fates of more rebellious characters like Phil and Spanky.

Highlight: Hector's success raises questions about the value of conformity versus individuality in a rigid social structure.

Alan Downie

Alan's character development is significant. He finds new confidence and stands up to his tormentors, symbolized by returning Phil's pen. His sympathy towards Phil, despite their differences, shows growth.

Quote: "Sorry to hear you lost your job, Phil. Not to worry... you'll not find much difference now you're officially out of work."

This line reveals Alan's attempt at empathy, albeit somewhat misguided due to his privileged background.

Lucille Bentley

Lucille's choices at the end reflect the theme of ambition versus genuine connection. By choosing wealth and status over the person she truly fancies, she embodies the conflict between personal desires and societal expectations.

Highlight: Lucille's decision showcases the pressure to conform to middle-class aspirations, even at the cost of potential happiness.

The resolutions of these characters paint a complex picture of societal pressures, personal growth, and the consequences of choices made in youth.

Thematic Resolutions and John Byrne's Message

The ending of "The SLAR Boys" doesn't neatly resolve all its themes, instead offering a nuanced look at the complexities of life for working-class youth in 1950s Scotland. John Byrne uses the play's conclusion to make several key points about his central themes:

1. Dreams/Ambition vs. Reality: The play suggests that while dreams may be shattered by reality, resilience and continued hope are vital. Phil's refusal to accept defeat, despite his setbacks, embodies this message.

   Highlight: The contrast between Phil's shattered dreams and his persistent optimism raises questions about the value of hope in the face of harsh realities.

2. Middle vs. Working Class: Byrne highlights the ongoing struggle between social classes, showing how class differences impact opportunities and life trajectories.

   Example: The different fates of characters like Phil (working-class) and Alan (middle-class) illustrate the persistent influence of social background on life outcomes.

3. Conformity vs. Rebellion: The play doesn't provide a clear answer on whether conformity or rebellion is the better path. Instead, it shows the costs and benefits of both approaches through characters like Hector (conformity) and Phil (rebellion).

4. Treatment of Mental Health: Through Phil's mother's situation, Byrne critiques the inadequate treatment of mental health issues in mid-20th century Scotland.

   Vocabulary: "Convalescent home" - A facility for the gradual recovery of health and strength after illness or injury, often used euphemistically for mental health institutions in the past.

5. The Power of Humor: Throughout the play, and particularly in its resolution, Byrne emphasizes humor as a vital coping mechanism for dealing with life's hardships.

   Quote: Phil's ability to find humor in dire situations, like his cartwheel in the face of rejection, exemplifies this theme.

By leaving some themes unresolved, Byrne invites the audience to reflect on these interesting topics for group discussion long after the play ends. The complex resolutions of characters and themes make "The SLAR Boys" a rich source for interesting topics to discuss in class, particularly for those interested in social history, class dynamics, and the challenges faced by Gen Z's predecessors.