Not for Lads

-Melvin Burgess

“Not for lads” is an extract of Melvin Burgess’ book entitled “Billy Elliot” which was published in 2001. It was also made into a musical play and a movie.

There are 3 characters in this extract: Billy (the son), his father, and his “nan.”

The main issue raised in this document, is whether ballet is suitable for boys or not. This matter is addressed in a passive way on the way back home, because even though none said a word, tension was very present between the two men, and in a confrontational way once they arrive home. None of them greet the grandmother, as they both felt stressed. The reader can guess that the characters involved in this extract are from the working class, given the words they use in their exchange and the expressions they use to describe the context such as “it’s not going on strike and standing up for yourself and sticking it out with your mates and all hanging in together.” (L.36-37)

Throughout this whole text, the atmosphere between the father and his son is quite tensed, and it seems they are having more of a confrontation rather than a conversation.

The following commentary will be two-fold: the first part will focus on a growing tension between a father and his son. As for the second part, it will emphasize how both men perceive things differently.

In the first part of this extract, what the reader can deduce is that the boy and his father do not have a good relationship, Billy even refers to his dad as “the bastard” (l.3). We are with Billy and we are waiting for the argument and/or punishment. Like him, we do not know what is going to happen, but we can sense trouble is not far away.

Once home, Billy could not face his father and looked at his grand-mother as “it was easier than having to look at [his father]” (l12-13). Also, what can be assumed from the first paragraph is that, it was not the first time the two characters were in