Men Should Weep Ena Lamont Stewart Act Two

‘Men Should Weep’ Ena Lamont Stewart Act Two Scene 2 Introduction to the play

Act Two, scene 2 - summary The scene opens a month later with Alec and Isa (still living in the Morrison household) arguing. Isa threatens to leave Alec for another man named Peter Robb. At this point Alec strangles her but quickly releases his hold in a panic. The argument concludes with Isa storming into the bedroom. A tired Maggie then arrives home complaining that no one does anything around the house, but also does her best to comfort Alec, who takes advantage of her attention.

Act Two, scene 2 - summary John arrives in the middle of a conflict between Isa and Maggie, and, crucially, takes Isa's side rather than his wife's. Maggie leaves in a rage and Isa flirts with John. The children enter and Maggie returns with some chips. At the sight of Ernest's scuffed boots, Maggie cracks, flying into a rage at the rest of the family. The scene calms down and concludes with a speech from Maggie, which indicates perhaps her growing sense of despair but also her growing lack of willingness to put up with things as they are.

Activity 1: The presentation of male violence One of the notable features of this scene is the audience’s developing understanding of the prevalence of male violence as an accepted part of Scottish working class life. In this scene, we see how quickly John and his son resort to physical violence as an expression of their dominance. This violence is expressed through other characters in the play as well.

Activity 1: The presentation of male violence In groups of four: consider the presentation of male violence in this and earlier scenes in the play: Pair 1 - consider and use an ipad to make notes on Mrs Bone’s relationship with her husband (refs p 11, p 17, p 28, p 32) and Alec’s attempts to control Isa by physically dominating her in this scene (p. 41). You may also want to consider Isa’s attitude towards male dominance (as expressed on pp 44 -5). Pair 2 - consider and use an ipad to make notes on John’s physical behaviour towards Jenny in Act 1, Scene 1 (pp 24 - 7) and John’s bullying attitude towards Maggie as illustrated in this scene (pp 445).

Activity 1: The presentation of male violence • Each pair should discuss their findings with the other. • In your group: summarise the key points being made about male violence in the play. • Feedback and share your notes on Edmodo.

Activity 2: The turning point in Maggie and John’s relationship This is a key scene in developing our understanding of: • Maggie’s character, • the ways in which she changes in the play, • how this impacts on her relationship with John. Ø Carefully reread pages 42– 45 and p 50. Ø In pairs: identify and comment on at least five key quotations which reveal Maggie’s changing attitude and behaviour. Feedback

Activity 3: Relationships in Act Two, sc 2 This part of the play is dominated by the interplay of the two married couples in the family. There are six relationships going on simultaneously, each with its own issues. Put them all together and it’s no wonder that tensions build and tempers fly! Maggie John Alec Isa

Activity 3: Relationships in Act Two, sc 2 In pairs: Select one, two or three of the six relationships and prepare a short presentation on its key aspects (aim for at least three). Think about, for example: • how each person feels about the other (these will not necessarily be the same: for example, Alec’s feelings for Isa and hers for him), • how each behaves, • whether one person is dominant in the relationship. Join with another pair to share ideas.

Activity 3: Relationships in Act Two, sc 2 Possible answers: Maggie and John • The central relationship of the play, their warmth and genuine love for each other is one of the main positive elements in the play. Maggie says that, without this she could not cope with the awful struggles of life. • However, there are tensions. John clearly does not help Maggie much around the house, although he seems concerned about how exhausted she is. He even criticises the mess in the house in Act Two, sc 2, although he could have tidied it while Maggie has been working.

Activity 3: Relationships in Act Two, sc 2 Possible answers: Maggie and John • After flirting with Isa, John then defends her against Maggie’s criticism – perhaps an even greater betrayal. He is certainly flawed and not fully apreciative of Maggie, even though his deeper feelings are for her.

Activity 3: Relationships in Act Two, sc 2 Possible answers: Alec and Isa • In contrast with Maggie and John, this relationship is mutually destructive and impacts negatively on others. They have brought chaos into the already strained Morrison household. • Isa taunts Alec with her infidility and her perception of him as useless, weak and unmanly. • Alec veers between needy begging for attention and violent threats. Neither approach earns Isa’s respect or love.

Activity 3: Relationships in Act Two, sc 2 Possible answers: Maggie and Alec • Of all her children, Alec is Maggie’s favourite – despite being the least deserving of them all. She defends him against criticism from John and the scorn of Isa. • The one time she has to face the truth, for a moment, is when she sees how much money he has taken from her purse. • She tries to convince him of Isa’s worthlessness, but he defends her and she is forced to accept this.

Activity 3: Relationships in Act Two, sc 2 Possible answers: John and Alec • John is critical of Alec: he does not see him through the positive, unconditionally loving eyes of Maggie. • John is ashamed of Alec for making nothing of his life. • Alec can be aggressive and resentful towards John.

Activity 3: Relationships in Act Two, sc 2 Possible answers: Maggie and Isa • Perhaps inevitably, as a spin-off of her devotion to Alec, Maggie is very critical of Isa. • She sees her as a ‘bad lot’ and has absolutely no sympathy with her or sense that Alec might have contributed to their misfortunes. • Isa hates Maggie and enjoys undermining the trust between her and John.

Activity 3: Relationships in Act Two, sc 2 Possible answers: John and Isa • In a short but significant betrayal, John flirts with Isa behind Maggie’s back. He does not start it, but he allows it to happen – although he is ashamed afterwards. • Isa delights in attracting John: she has so much resentment built up against Alec and Maggie, Is this a way of getting back at them? Remember also that John is a ‘big, handsome man’. • Isa forms a bond with John by laughing at Alec (and Maggie) with him. People who share a secret are closer!

Activity 4: Act Two, scene 2 Quiz 1. Do you admire Isa? (If so, why? If not, why not? ) 2. What does Isa encourage Alec to do to get money? 3. How do Alec and Isa spend their money? 4. Is Alec a strong or a weak male? 5. What evidence suggests that Alec can be a violent man? 6. Why does Isa think she has ‘…married a rat. ’? 7. Is Isa romantic at heart? 8. To what extent is Isa like her mother-in-law? 9. To what extent is Alec like his father? 10. Why do you think Isa married Alec? 11. Why does Maggie complain when she arrives on the scene?

Activity 4: Act Two, scene 2 Quiz 12. Describe the relationship that Alec has with his mother. 13. Does Maggie like her daughter-in-law? Give evidence. 14. What does John think about household chores? 15. What has Maggie been doing all morning? 16. What has John been doing? 17. There is a lot of physical violence in the play. List all the times that people have been hit or beaten so far. 18. What kind of men does Isa respect? 19. Why is John so against alcohol? 20. What is John’s occupation? 21. What is an ‘Armstong-Siddley’? 22. What are the ‘barras’?