Osborne, John (1929-1994), an English dramatist, became famous with his first important play, Look Back in Anger (1956). The drama deals with Jimmy Porter, an educated but poor young man. Porter lashes out at everyone around him in anger and frustration because the world no longer offers any ideals or causes he can believe in. The play was a vivid contrast to the sort of polite upper-middle-class stories and characters presented in most British plays of the time. Osborne continued the story of Jimmy Porter’s life in Déjàvu (1992).
Osborne’s other early plays also criticized society. The Entertainer (1957) uses a run-down old comedian to symbolize the decline of the British Empire. Luther (1961) presents a modern interpretation of Reformation religious leader Martin Luther as a troubled rebel. Inadmissible Evidence (1964) portrays the breakdown of a successful lawyer as he realizes how empty his life is.
As Osborne grew older, his plays became more conservative. He defended the way of life he had once criticized, and he attacked younger social critics. He also wrote an autobiography, A Better Class of Person (1981). John James Osborne was born in London on Dec. 12, 1929. He died on Dec. 24, 1994.
See also Look Back in Anger.
