What is the theme of Look Back in Anger?

As with any work of literature, there are a dazzling array
of possible themes that you could identify when examining this excellent play. However
one theme that to me stands out clearly is that of class differences and the conflict
that this creates. Consider the main character, Jimmy. He seems to be a victim of the
structure of the different classes that make life so difficult for the working class. In
this world that we are presented with, getting ahead and success are dependent on things
that appear to be largely out of your control, such as what kind of family you are born
into. Thus it is that, although Jimmy worked hard to get a degree and therefore has a
good education, the fact that he was born into the working class and went to the "wrong"
university means he is limited in terms of his options. This is in sharp contrast with
Nigel, who, in spite of his obvious deficiencies as a character, is a Member of the
British Parliament and will obviously do well in this
world.

In addition, consider the presentation of Alison's
mother, who does everything she can to prevent her daughter marrying Jimmy. The only
character who appears to be unmarred by the pervading class distinctions that delineate
so many characters in this play is Cliff, who seems to be able to accept his own
position and identity by declaring honestly that he is "common," in sharp contrast to
others who struggle with their own sense of identity and rage against the way that class
is used against them.

The class system is therefore
presented as a divisive system that disempowers and empowers depending on the accident
of birth, rather than any other basis, such as individual merit. It is this that Jimmy
rages against, producing the stereotype of the "angry young man" that dominates this
play.