1
1 mark
What is the primary role of the Narrator at the beginning of Blood Brothers?
an enthusiastic bus conductor
a belligerent gynaecologist
a gossiping voice of the public
an irate milkman
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Blood Brothers (AQA GCSE English Literature): Exam Questions
Exam code: 8702
8 hours130 questions
2
1 mark
How does Mrs Lyons manipulate Mrs Johnstone into giving her one of the twins?
by offering her enough money to take care of one child, but not two
by convincing her that the welfare agency will take her children
by threatening to tell her husband
by promising to raise the child together as part of an extended family
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3
1 mark
Which characteristic best describes Mickey as a child?
confident
dishonest
arrogant
shy
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4
1 mark
What job does Edward eventually secure after attending university?
a councillor
a lawyer
a doctor
a teacher
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5
1 mark
What superstition does Mrs Lyons use to convince Mrs Johnstone to separate the twins?
Twins who grow up together will be poor.
Twins who are separated will bring bad luck.
If twins are separated, they will die if they learn the truth.
A twin will curse the other if raised in poverty.
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6
1 mark
Why does Linda begin an affair with Edward?
She loves Edward more than Mickey.
She wants to escape her working-class life.
Edward blackmails her into the affair.
She is depressed and lonely while Mickey is in prison.
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7
1 mark
What is the main reason Mickey falls into crime after losing his job?
He feels admiration for his brother Sammy.
He feels social pressure from Edward.
He is desperate to support his family.
He has a desire to gain respect in the community.
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8
1 mark
How does the Narrator's role reflect the themes of fate and superstition?
He acts as a gynaecologist, delivering factual news.
He predicts future events, reinforcing the inevitability of fate.
He tells Mrs Johnstone that her children will succeed, promoting hope.
He focuses on the positive outcomes of characters' actions, downplaying superstition.
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9
1 mark
What does Edward’s affair with Linda signify about his relationship with Mickey and the themes of the play?
It shows his disregard for Mickey’s feelings, reinforcing class differences.
It reflects his insecurity about his social status, and his desire to be part of the working classes.
It highlights his respect for Linda and Mickey’s relationship, as he insists on keeping it secret.
It suggests that Edward’s and Mickey’s relationship is unaffected by personal conflict.
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10
1 mark
What is suggested by the Narrator when he says, “The devil’s got your number / he’s knocking at your door”?
Mrs Johnstone is being pursued by diabolical debt collectors who know her address.
Mrs Lyons will gain control over Mrs Johnstone’s future.
Mrs Johnstone is about to receive good news from someone at the door.
Mrs Johnstone cannot escape the consequences of her actions.
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1
1 mark
How does Mrs Johnstone’s superstitious nature influence her decision to give away one of her twins?
She believes she will be rewarded financially for doing so.
She fears that Mrs Lyons' threat of social services is true.
She thinks the superstition about separated twins will help her other children.
She believes the superstition that her children will have a better life if they are separated.
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2
1 mark
What does the song Mrs Johnstone sings about living on the “never-never” illustrate about her character?
her faith in the future and belief that a better life is never far away
her constant struggle with debt and instability
her belief in the importance of never wasting your education
her hope for never losing her hard-won financial independence
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3
1 mark
What does Mrs Lyons’ decision to fire Mrs Johnstone after taking one of her twins illustrate about her character?
her unfailing kindness towards Mrs Johnstone
her inescapable guilt over the deal with Mrs Johnstone
her carelessness and lack of regard for others
her tragic and unavoidable inability to have children
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4
1 mark
How does the Narrator's role as the voice of the public influence the audience's perception of Mrs Johnstone?
by suggesting she is heartless for giving away her child
by portraying her as a responsible and logical mother
by justifying her decision to give up her child
by showing sympathy for her tough situation
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5
1 mark
When Mrs Lyons slaps Edward during his friendship with Mickey, what does this suggest about her view of the working-class?
She believes Mickey will be a bad influence on Edward.
She feels guilty about lying to Edward about his origins.
She wants to encourage the boys to become closer.
She is afraid Edward will discover his true identity.
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6
1 mark
What does Mickey's relationship with Edward reveal about the theme of social class in the play?
It highlights how upbringing can influence opportunities and behaviour.
It shows that Mickey's character is morally superior to Edward.
It demonstrates that both characters are destined for the same fate regardless of class.
It suggests that class differences have no impact on their friendship.
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7
1 mark
What does Mrs Lyons' decision to move house to escape Mickey's influence imply about her character?
She is attempting to outrun the consequences of her actions.
She is trying to provide Mickey with a better environment.
She feels deeply guilty and wishes to make amends.
She believes moving will finally reveal Edward's true background.
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8
1 mark
How does Edward’s generosity towards Mickey serve as a source of tension between the brothers?
It strengthens Mickey’s self-esteem and solidifies their friendship.
It strengthens Mickey’s self-esteem and solidifies their friendship.
It resolves Mickey’s financial troubles and reduces his anger.
It encourages Mickey to take more responsibility for his own life.
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1
1 mark
In what way does the Narrator’s role mirror a Greek chorus in Blood Brothers?
He provides comic relief during intense scenes.
He interacts directly with the characters to influence their decisions.
He comments on the action and highlights important themes.
He remains neutral, avoiding passing judgment on the characters.
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2
1 mark
Assess the significance of Mrs Johnstone’s decision to give up one of her twins in the context of class struggle.
It highlights her desire to escape the cycle of poverty.
It demonstrates her lack of emotional connection to her children.
It reflects her belief that her children will succeed regardless of upbringing.
It suggests she wants to challenge societal expectations.
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3
1 mark
Compare the way superstition affects Mrs Johnstone and Mrs Lyons.
Both characters use superstition to manipulate the other.
Mrs Johnstone relies on superstition to make decisions, while Mrs Lyons uses it to control others.
Mrs Lyons is the only character affected by superstition in the play, and bases her choices on it.
Mrs Johnstone's belief in superstition fades as the play progresses, while Mrs Lyons’ belief strengthens.
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4
1 mark
Evaluate the role of Mrs Lyons in shaping the relationship between Mickey and Edward.
Mrs Lyons encourages the boys’ friendship, believing it will break class barriers.
Mrs Lyons supports Edward’s friendship with Mickey, but only to maintain appearances in society.
Mrs Lyons is indifferent to their friendship, focused only on her own wellbeing.
Mrs Lyons attempts to prevent their friendship, fearing the truth about their origins will be revealed.
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5
1 mark
Examine how Mickey’s admiration for his older brother, Sammy, impacts his development throughout Blood Brothers.
It leads Mickey to make better life choices, as he wishes to be different from Sammy.
It encourages Mickey to strive for financial success and stability.
It has no significant impact, as Mickey and Sammy lead very different lives.
It contributes to Mickey’s downfall, as he idolises Sammy’s rebellious and criminal behaviour.
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6
1 mark
Compare how Mickey and Edward’s upbringing shapes their perspectives on friendship and loyalty.
Mickey values loyalty above all, but Edward treats friendship casually due to his privileged upbringing.
Edward is more loyal than Mickey, as he offers support to his friend throughout the play.
Both characters view friendship and loyalty in the same way, despite their different backgrounds.
Mickey and Edward are equally indifferent to the idea of loyalty, which ultimately ends their friendship.
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