Family Affairs (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof)

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof was an interesting play. Can’t really say that it was shocking when it came to the behavior of the characters, but it was nicely put. The story evolved around a southern family, and its differences. Maggie, the wife, married Brick-her husband- in hopes for a better, wealthier life. However she finds herself in a very unhappy and unfulfilling marriage. Brick Pollit was the son of Big Daddy- a Mississippi tycoon- and an ex football hero. After an injury he could no longer continue his career as a professional athlete. Later on we discover that Brick is a closet homosexual who seem to like his friend Skipper. Big Daddy’s entire family is very much after his wealth, and is willing to lie for it. 

Mendacity, a word used by Brick to describe the world they lived in. Mad at the circumstances of his life and the family. However mendacity-the practice of lying- is the key element in Bricks family. They all lied to Big Daddy about his illness, and never told him that he will not see his next birthday just so they can take over his wealth. Absence of morality is my opinion on the subject. 

As far as the title of the play, “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” is very appropriate. The cat is describing Maggie, which is a perfect analogy. Cats by nature are very selfish and unforgiving. They only think about themselves first and maybe just maybe one that they depend on. The hot tin roof represent the unstable Pollit family and Maggie’s life. 

Some of my favorite phrases used in the play were by Big Daddy: “What’s that smell in this room? Didn’t you notice it, Brick? Didn’t you notice the powerful and obnoxious odor of mendacity in this room?” and by Big Mama “When the marriage is on the rocks, the rock are there” pointing at the bed.
Sadly, this story is so close to reality, that it's not even funny.