CHARACTER DEVELOPME NT Maggie is without doubt the

CHARACTER DEVELOPME NT

Maggie is without doubt the most important character in Men Should Weep and it is through her character that we learn most about the role of women in 1930 s Glasgow. However, this is a play where women are very much the focus: • As well as providing some light relief, Granny gives us insight into the plight of the aged and infirm during this period. • Lizzie shows us a different kind of woman: resourceful but rendered hard, greedy and pitiless by her demanding economic situation. • Even Maggie’s neighbours give us insight into the community spirit that kept women going in these troubled times.

The role of women: Lily, Jenny, Isa

LILY Look again at the scenes in which Lily plays an important part: Act 1, Scene 1 and Act 3. Working in pairs, make notes on what is revealed about Lily. Now answer the following questions: – In Act 1, Scene 1, what criticisms does Lily make about the way Maggie runs the house, and about John in particular and men in general? – In Act 3, how does Ena Lamont Stewart suggest a warmer relationship between Maggie and Lily? – In Act 3, what is revealed about Lily’s attitude to Jenny, and what is confirmed about Lily’s attitude towards John? – Describe some of the ways in which Lily helps the Morrisons throughout the play.

What themes does Lily represent in the play?

What themes does Lily represent in the play? • Changing/alternative role of women • Sister relationships • Questions the role of men through her attitude to men • Judgemental /disapproving attitudes of the time

JENNY Look again at the scenes in which Jenny plays an important part: Act 1, Scene 2; Act 2, Scene 1, and Act 3. Working in pairs, make notes on what is revealed about Jenny. Now answer the following questions: • • Make a list of all the things Jenny does in Act 1, Scene 2 with which her father, John, finds fault. Jenny is representative of a younger generation in the play. In Act 1, Scene 2, what criticisms does she make of each of her parents? In Act 2, Scene 1, what does Jenny do and say to show her rebellion against the older generation? With reference to Act 3, how influential a part does Jenny play in bringing about Maggie’s positive action?

What themes does Jenny represent in the play?

What themes does Jenny represent in the play? • Rebellion of teenagers • Changing/alternative role of women • Familial responsibility • Father/daughter relationships

ISA Look again at the scenes in which Isa plays an important part: Act 1, Scene 2 Act 2, Scenes 1 and 2 and Act 3. Working in pairs, make notes on what is revealed about Isa. Consider the following quotations and discuss and take notes on what each one tells us about Isa’s character and/or values: • ‘Ach, he was a rotten tattie lang afore I was daft enough tae get landed wi him. ’ • ‘If you think I’m gaun on like this a ma life, ye’ve anither think comin … If you want tae keep me, it’s time you wis makin a bit o dough again. I canna live on air. ’ • ‘Love! There’s nae sich a thing … No roon aboot here, onyway. ’ • ‘A woman disnae respect a man that’s nae a man. ’ • ‘I’m speakin tae you and why should I no? Ye’re a man as well’s ma faither-’ •

What themes does Isa represent in the play?

What themes does Isa represent in the play? • Marriage • Love • Criminality • Domestic Abuse