Social Commentary and Subversive Comedy: Dramatic Methods at the Climax of 'Jerusalem' Anonymous 12th Grade

Butterworth creates an intense, climactic end to Jerusalem, using Johnny as the mouthpiece to vocalise his societal commentary. At face value, Jerusalem is a play centred on the comic story of Johnny Byron and his struggle to maintain ‘Rooster’s Wood.’ However, when the prism of comedy is removed the play is representative of a much deeper political meaning; it raises concerns about the danger of English nationalism through the eyes of a group of marginalised local misfits constantly tackling the question of identity. Through Butterworth’s characterisation of Johnny, the Rooster Byron myth is furthered and recurring themes such as heritage, human nature and magic are used to subtly convey Butterworth’s underlying socio-political message. The ending of Jerusalem sees the play detach itself from the traditional conventions of comedy; there is no ‘happy ending’ but rather an ominous call from Johnny, ‘Come, you giants!’, before either his eviction or suicide. Butterworth makes this scene a fitting ending to the play as even the subversion of comedy conveys the complexity and message of Jerusalem.

Butterworth uses Johnny’s initial speech to reveal the darker aspects of human nature. This marks a shift in the play where Johnny’s...