After analysing the 1915 play ‘War Mates’, we discover the argument between two social sides on their differing views about war. The play, written by Mr Herbert De Hamel focuses strongly on the impact of strikes.
“It is without doubt the most real and effective short play concerned with the war that has yet been seen, and the lesson it teaches the men of fighting age and all who advocate or are responsible for strikes in war time.” (Daily Mail, 1916, p.3)
The four characters, John, Mary, Steve and Wilfred all had clear opinions on how politics and social standing should have been during the war. Throughout this essay, I will expand upon the factual side of the issues raised focusing around these three themes; cultural, social and the historical context.
‘War Mates’ was performed at the Victoria Palace in 1916 and with success begun to tour.
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I aint spending a penny on myself since this war started that I could buy things with and send out to my mates ... Them that goes and them that stay to help. We’re all doing our bit ... It’s a war off men and munitions. If a man is a skilled worker it’s his duty to stay behind and back up his war-mates out there ... God do you think I didn't want to go out and fight? ... It’s my job - and my duty - to stay back here, and do the work that an unskilled man in the firing’ line couldn't do.” (War Mates, p.3)
Throughout Steve and Mary’s conversation, I would strongly argue that Steve agrees women are ‘second rate’. He Speaks in such depth and empathy about manual labour to Mary. However, Mary is a strong minded, independent women who speaks her mind. Due to the shortage of men due to war, women had no choice but to work in factories and do every day ‘men jobs’. Still, many women wanted to work especially Mary, she wanted to do her bit for the war. But Steve fires back on page six and quotes...
“You're only a women Mary. You don't understand. It isn't women’s work.” (War Mates,
“It is without doubt the most real and effective short play concerned with the war that has yet been seen, and the lesson it teaches the men of fighting age and all who advocate or are responsible for strikes in war time.” (Daily Mail, 1916, p.3)
The four characters, John, Mary, Steve and Wilfred all had clear opinions on how politics and social standing should have been during the war. Throughout this essay, I will expand upon the factual side of the issues raised focusing around these three themes; cultural, social and the historical context.
‘War Mates’ was performed at the Victoria Palace in 1916 and with success begun to tour.
 …show more content…
I aint spending a penny on myself since this war started that I could buy things with and send out to my mates ... Them that goes and them that stay to help. We’re all doing our bit ... It’s a war off men and munitions. If a man is a skilled worker it’s his duty to stay behind and back up his war-mates out there ... God do you think I didn't want to go out and fight? ... It’s my job - and my duty - to stay back here, and do the work that an unskilled man in the firing’ line couldn't do.” (War Mates, p.3)
Throughout Steve and Mary’s conversation, I would strongly argue that Steve agrees women are ‘second rate’. He Speaks in such depth and empathy about manual labour to Mary. However, Mary is a strong minded, independent women who speaks her mind. Due to the shortage of men due to war, women had no choice but to work in factories and do every day ‘men jobs’. Still, many women wanted to work especially Mary, she wanted to do her bit for the war. But Steve fires back on page six and quotes...
“You're only a women Mary. You don't understand. It isn't women’s work.” (War Mates,