Dysfunctional Families in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, by Tennessee Williams

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Dysfunctional Families in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, by Tennessee Williams

Dysfunction and volatility is common amongst families. These families dislike their kin and often resent them. In the play, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, by Tennessee Williams, the Politt family does not function as a normal family. Brick, Maggie, and Big Daddy are three members of the family that have the most problems that affect the whole family.

Brick, Maggie’s alcoholic husband, is an uncaring man who has no good feelings toward his wife. For example, when Maggie buys a gift for Brick to give to Big Daddy on his birthday and Maggie wants Brick to sign the card, he says “No… I don’t have to do anything I don’t want to do”(28). Even on Big Daddy’s last birthday, Brick refuses to make Big Daddy happy. He is very selfish in his decision. In addition, when Maggie wants to have a little privacy with Brick and he refuses, Maggie responds by saying she can’t live under those circumstances, Brick then states “You agreed to… Accept that condition”(32). Maggie wants to love Brick but is shunned because of his insensitivity. Brick’s alcohol seems to float his boat more than being with his spouse. Brick has no compassion and feelings for his family and for anyone else.

Margaret (Maggie), a young, beautiful woman has a marriage on the rocks and a strong dislike towards Mae and her children. For instance, when Maggie starts talking about Skipper during her con...

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