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John Osborne
76quotes
John Osborne
#### Playwright and Screenwriter
Full Name and Common Aliases
John James Osbourne was commonly known as John Osborne, an English playwright and screenwriter.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on December 30, 1929, in Leeds, England, UK; passed away on September 24, 1994, aged 64, due to complications from a heart attack while on holiday in Dublin.
Nationality and Profession(s)
British, playwright, screenwriter, and novelist. Osborne's work often dealt with themes of social realism, exploring the lives of working-class people and the struggles they faced during the post-war period.
Early Life and Background
Osborne was born to a working-class family in Leeds, West Yorkshire. His father worked as a painter at a local brewery. The family moved to Huddersfield when Osborne was six years old, where he attended St. Peter's Secondary Modern School. He showed an early interest in writing and developed a talent for creating stories and plays.
Major Accomplishments
Osborne is best known for his play "Look Back in Anger" (1956), which premiered at the Royal Court Theatre in London's West End. This groundbreaking work marked a significant shift in British theatre, introducing the "Angry Young Men" movement, a group of young writers and playwrights who rejected traditional middle-class values.
Notable Works or Actions
- "Look Back in Anger" (1956): Considered Osborne's masterpiece, this play exposed the lives of working-class people in England during the 1950s. It tackled themes such as social class, politics, and personal relationships.
- "The Entertainer" (1957): A tragic comedy that delves into the world of a struggling music hall entertainer, it explores issues like unemployment, poverty, and the decline of traditional British culture.
- "A Patriot for Me" (1965): This play examines the life of Field Marshal Radetzky, an Austrian general. It critiques the pretensions of the upper class while exploring themes of patriotism and loyalty.
Impact and Legacy
John Osborne's work had a profound impact on the theatre scene in Britain during the 1950s and '60s. His plays addressed social issues that were previously ignored or marginalized by mainstream culture. He is credited with helping to establish the Royal Court Theatre as a hub for new, innovative writing.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
John Osborne's writing continues to be widely quoted and remembered due to its thought-provoking themes, authentic characters, and unflinching portrayal of the human condition. His work remains relevant today, offering insights into the lives of ordinary people during a pivotal period in British history.
His plays have been translated into numerous languages and continue to be performed around the world. Osborne's influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary playwrights, including Tom Stoppard and Mike Leigh.
Quotes by John Osborne
John Osborne's insights on:
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The whole point of a sacrifice is that you give up something you never really wanted in the first place. People are doing it around you all the time. They give up their careers, say - or their beliefs - or sex.
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It’s no good fooling about with love you know. You can’t fall into it like a soft job without dirtying up your hands. It takes muscle and guts. If you can’t bear the thought of messing up your nice, tidy soul, you better give up the whole idea of life and become a saint, because you’ll never make it as a human being. It’s either this world... or the next.
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You see I learnt at an early age what it was to be angry – angry and helpless. And I can never forget it. I knew more about – love... betrayal... and death, when I was ten years old than you will probably ever know in your life.
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You’re hurt because everything is changed. Jimmy is hurt because everything is the same. And neither of you can face it. Something’s gone wrong somewhere, hasn’t it?
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Anyone who’s never watched somebody die is suffering from a pretty bad case of virginity. For twelve months, I watched my father dying – when I was ten years old.
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Why don’t we have a little game? Let’s pretend that we’re human beings, and that we’re actually alive.
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Asking a writer what he thinks about criticism is like asking a lamppost what it feels about dogs.
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