Sunday, October 12, 2008

Brick's Sexual Ambiguity in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof"

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William’s use of ambiguity is seen through every aspect in this play. It is most notably seen in the big question looming over Brick’s sexuality. It is stated through arguments between Brick and Maggie, that the reason why they are married and living together is because of a previous arrangement. The story behind the arrangement is never told, nor why Brick refused to sleep in the same bed with her. While he states he can not stand her, the truth of about he and his friend/possible lover Skipper remains a mystery to all throughout the play, especially in their final conversation. Another element of ambiguity is why Brick has started to drink, is it because he can’t stand living with Maggie, because he is sad over Big Daddy’s looming disease, or because everyone thinks he may have had relations with his “best friend” Skipper. Will he actually have sex with his wife and get her pregnant.

Big Daddy also seems to be even more ambiguous than his son. His accrued amount of fortune is never quite revealed, along with his choice over who will take over the estate. The truth of his disease is on and off again, as with his feelings about life and death. His relations with his sons is also never fully disclosed, does he love Brick more than Gooper, and why? And at the end of the play no one is quite sure what will become of Big Daddy, is he going to die, and if so, when will it happen. Will he create a will, or will the brothers need to go to court.

Culturally, it seems extremely important to try and move up in society as shown by Mae and Maggie. Though both women are virtually the same, their plight with trying not to remain in the poor house seems ridiculous. They’re efforts to have children and show big daddy who has more affection towards him seems hypocritical, especially since their husbands will inherit the money and not them. Overall the entire play never gives true answers to any of the questions posed, and leaves the audience/reader wondering what the characters might do.



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