Men Should Weep-Character

Maggie

Introduction

Maggie is the central protagonist in the play, and her character undergoes significant development as she navigates the challenges of being a working-class housewife in the East End of Glasgow during the 1930s.

Early Characteristics:

• At the beginning of the play, Maggie appears content in her role as a wife and mother, dedicating herself to her children and husband.
• She is portrayed as a loving and stoic figure, idolising her eldest son, despite his misbehaviour, and putting all her energy into caring for her family.

Sacrifice and Stoicism:

• Maggie's character embodies traditional gender roles, where women are expected to make sacrifices for their families. She is willing to endure hardship and poverty for the sake of her loved ones.
• She believes that her marriage is sustained by love and accepts the difficulties of their situation, valuing love more than her husband's job or a decent home.

Transformation:

• Over the course of the play, Maggie's character undergoes a transformation as she becomes progressively worn down by the demands of her role.
• She becomes disillusioned by her son's dishonesty and her husband's lack of support, leading her to leave the house with a newfound sense of independence.
• Her evolving character is evident when she cries hysterically and becomes a more assertive and self-reliant figure.

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Drama

Emancipation:

• By the end of the play, Maggie has undergone a significant emancipation. She takes control of her own life, and her relationship with her husband is forever altered.
• Maggie humiliates her husband, John, and takes responsibility for her own well-being, making her long-forgotten dreams a reality.

Character Traits:

• Maggie begins as a downtrodden, oppressed, and overburdened working-class woman, fulfilling the archetypal mother role by nurturing her children.
• She is initially weak in dealing with her son Alec and distrustful of his wife, Isa.
• Her journey towards self-assertion destroys the initial stereotype and reveals her as a woman of self-determination, self-expression, and independence.
• She is the traditional homemaker, caring for all her children and running the household.

Contrast with Other Characters:

• Maggie's character is a foil to her sister, Lily, who represents a contrasting personality and perspective.
• She embodies the traditional gender role that requires women to accept their lot in life, in contrast to characters like Isa and Jenny who aspire for a better life.

Community Spirit:

• Maggie represents the community spirit that is expected in tenement life. She is a good neighbour and plays a role in the close-knit community.

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Drama

Effect of Poverty:

• Maggie's character highlights the devastating impact of poverty, unsanitary living conditions, overcrowding, and the lack of basic necessities on the lives of the poor.
• She often buries her head in the sand about her son Bertie's condition, fearing that outside agencies will get involved, and this reveals the harsh realities of their living conditions.

Maggie's character in "Men Should Weep" is a poignant portrayal of a woman's journey from a traditional role to one of self-determination and independence in the face of adversity. Her transformation throughout the play showcases the resilience and strength of the human spirit.

Lily

Introduction

Lily is a character in the play who provides an interesting contrast to Maggie, the central protagonist. Her character highlights the challenges and perspectives of unmarried, independent women in the 1930s.

Independence and Unconventional Views:

• Lily is depicted as a spinster who is independent and without the responsibilities of children and a family. Her single status allows her to live a more liberated life.
• She holds feminist views that challenge the traditional gender roles and societal norms of her time. Her outspokenness and independence would have been considered controversial by the standards of 1947.

Supportive Role:

• Lily supports Maggie throughout the play by bringing her gifts of food and medicine for Bertie, and providing financial help when needed.
• Despite her cynicism about men and marriage, she genuinely cares for her sister and wants to see Maggie living a better life.

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Drama

Feminist Beliefs:

• Lily's feminist views are evident in her cynicism about men and marriage. She refuses to be subservient to men and believes that marriage leads to women becoming slaves.
• She tries to make Maggie and the audience aware of the plight of wives in an era when birth control was not widely practised.

Negative Views of Men:

• Lily's bitterness towards men, especially John, is palpable. She blames John for perpetuating Maggie's subservient existence and paints a bleak picture of the future for women in traditional marriages.
• Her negative views towards men and marriage stem from personal experiences that have soured her values.

Role in Maggie's Transformation:

• Lily's role in the play is to encourage Maggie to assert herself and challenge her role as a traditional housewife. She motivates Maggie to stand up for her own well-being and independence.
• Lily takes pleasure in witnessing John's humiliation at the end of the play, which, while supporting Maggie's transformation, reflects Lily's bitterness and negative attitude towards men.

Supportive Role to the Morrison Family:

• Lily plays a supportive role in the Morrison family's life by providing them with food, money, and assistance when needed. Her character highlights the sense of community and mutual support that was often present in tenement life.

Lily's character in "Men Should Weep" exemplifies an independent, unconventional woman with feminist beliefs in a society that adheres to traditional gender roles. Her presence challenges the status quo and catalyses Maggie's transformation and journey towards independence. While Lily's bitterness towards men is evident, her support for her sister is a central aspect of her character.

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Drama

John

Introduction

John is a character in the play who represents the traditional male role and expectations of the 1930s. While his character is often seen as chauvinistic and lacking in some aspects, the audience can still empathise with his struggles in the context of poverty and unemployment.

Proud Yet Unemployed:

• John is portrayed as a proud man, but he is unable to fulfil the traditional male role of being the breadwinner for his family due to his unemployment.
• His inability to provide for his family creates a sense of frustration and despondency, which is a source of his internal conflict.

Pride and Gender Role:

• John firmly believes in the traditional gender roles of the time, where he sees himself as the head of the household. His pride is deeply connected to this role.
• He asserts his role as a man and resists taking on household responsibilities, even when his wife, Maggie, is exhausted. This contributes to his character's complexity.

Emotional Complexity:

• While John may come across as chauvinistic, there are moments that reveal his love and affection for Maggie. Small gestures like buying her a plate of beans and a hat at Christmas show his emotional attachment.
• John's character reflects the emotional turmoil of a man who wants to fulfil his traditional role but is constrained by the challenges of unemployment and poverty.

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Drama

Failures and Weaknesses:

• Despite his pride, John is often portrayed as a weak character. He is unable to confront his daughter Jenny's late-night activities and does not support Maggie's fears regarding Bertie's health.
• His inability to confront his true self and adapt to the changing circumstances in his family leads to disappointments and frustrations.

Threefold Humiliation:

John's character faces a threefold humiliation at the end of the play:

• His unrestrained sexual desire is exposed by Maggie, revealing a side of him that contrasts with his self-image as the head of the household.
• Lily reveals the truth about the financial assistance she has provided to his family, challenging his pride and self-sufficiency.
• He is forced to step back as Maggie takes control of the family, leading to a significant loss of power and pride.

Representation of the Unemployed Male:

• John's character represents the larger issue of mass unemployment during the time in which the play is set. His struggles with unemployment and the stigma associated with signing on or being on the dole are emblematic of the challenges faced by many men in a similar situation.

Role as a Father:

• John's role as a father to Jenny is defined by his desire to protect her and maintain respect. This is seen in his anger when he discovers her spending time with a man in the close.

John's character in "Men Should Weep" reflects the societal expectations and limitations placed on men in the 1930s. While his character can be perceived as chauvinistic and proud, his struggles with unemployment and his role within the family provide depth to his character, making him relatable to the audience. The humiliation at the end of the play is a turning point that challenges his traditional role and his pride.

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Drama

Jenny

Introduction

Jenny is a vital character in the play, symbolising the aspirations and rebelliousness of the younger generation. Her character reflects the desire for a better life beyond the oppressive family home and societal restrictions.

Youthful Rebellion:

• Jenny is a representation of the changing voice of youth. She feels trapped within her family's oppressive home, making her a stark contrast to her older family members, especially her father John.
• Her rebellious nature is evident when she leaves home to live with an unwed man, challenging the societal taboos of the time. This decision brings shame upon her family, reflecting her determination to break free from the constraints of her upbringing.

Maturity and Change:

• Jenny's character goes through a significant transformation during the play. While initially unwilling to help her family, she matures and realises the importance of family bonds.
• Her return to the family home at the end of the play symbolises hope and a fresh start for the Morrison family.

Independence and Hard Work:

• Unlike her brother Alec, Jenny is depicted as hardworking and independent. She is willing to strike out on her own and make a life for herself, showcasing her determination to break free from the limitations of her family's circumstances.

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Drama

Challenging Social Norms:

• Jenny's decision to live with an unwed man challenges the societal norms of the 1930s, bringing into focus the changing views and values of the younger generation.
• Her actions reveal the generation gap between her and her older family members, particularly her father, John.

Role Model and Source of Hope:

• Jenny serves as a role model for her younger siblings, demonstrating that they can aspire to a better life beyond the limitations of their upbringing.
• Her return to the family provides a sense of hope for the family's future, setting the stage for a more optimistic ending to the play.

Impact on Maggie's Journey:

Jenny's pivotal role in the play drives the plot and facilitates Maggie's journey to self-discovery and self-actualization. Her reappearance with enough money to provide for the family in a "decent part of the town" contributes to the resolution of the story, although it does not return the family to its original state.

Jenny's character in "Men Should Weep" exemplifies the changing values and aspirations of the younger generation, challenging the societal norms of the 1930s. Her transformation and ultimate return to the family provide a sense of hope for the Morrison family's future and play a crucial role in Maggie's journey towards self-discovery.

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Drama

Alec and Isa

Introduction

Alec and Isa serve as contrasting characters to John and Maggie in the play. They embody different qualities and dynamics within the family, shedding light on various aspects of poverty and gender roles in their society.

Alec:

Weakness and Violence:

Alec's character reflects weakness and vulnerability. He is easily manipulated by his wife, Isa, and fails to take control of his own life. His inability to stand up for himself ultimately leads to violence within his marriage.

Spoiled and Selfish:

Alec is portrayed as a spoiled young man who takes advantage of his mother's love for him. He frequently manipulates Maggie for cigarettes and money, displaying a selfish and immature nature. His actions are often driven by his own desires.

Dishonesty and Immaturity:

Alec's character is marked by dishonesty, as he deceives his mother and has a history of trouble with the police. His immaturity is evident in his jealousy and selfishness, as he struggles to address the problems in his marriage.

Mirror of His Father:

Alec's character mirrors his father, John, in terms of laziness, feebleness, and being easily dominated by women. He embodies the impact of poverty and societal constraints on individuals.

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Drama

Isa

Calculating and Ambitious:

Isa is depicted as a calculating and ambitious woman. She is not afraid to use her sexuality to achieve her goals and is highly flirtatious in nature. Her ambitions are primarily financial, as she seeks men who can provide for her.

Lack of Identity:

Isa's character lacks a strong sense of identity. She conforms to societal expectations that a woman's identity is defined by her relationship with a man. Her independence is limited compared to characters like Lily and Maggie.

Flirtatious Behaviour:

Isa's flirtatious behaviour extends even to her father-in-law, John, reflecting her view that a woman's identity is intertwined with the men in her life. Her independence is more economic than revolutionary.

Parallel to Maggie and John's Relationship:

Isa's relationship with Alec mirrors certain elements of Maggie and John's relationship. Both women carry the burden of their lazy partners, highlighting the dynamics within impoverished families.

Effects of Poverty and Gender Roles:

• Alec and Isa's characters underscore the effects of poverty, including overcrowding, diminutivity, and lack of ambition.
• They showcase the accepted societal view of the time, where women were expected to be controlled by their husbands, and male aggression was tolerated.
• Alec's infatuation with Isa illustrates how easily men can be manipulated by women, even when the women's intentions are questionable.

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Drama

Contribution to the Empowerment of Women:

• Alec's weakness and the dynamics in his marriage contribute to the overarching theme of women's empowerment in the play. His character emphasises the strength and determination of women like Maggie and Jenny, who take on significant roles in the family.

Alec and Isa provide a contrast to the central characters, highlighting the impact of poverty and the complex dynamics within the family. Their characters exemplify the influence of societal norms and expectations on individuals in the context of the 1930s Glasgow tenements.

Granny

Introduction

Granny's character serves as a representation of the challenges faced by the elderly in the play. She is a burden to the family, and her presence highlights the difficulties associated with ageing and dependency.

The Plight of the Elderly:

Shunted Between Houses:

Granny is shuttled between Maggie and Lizzie's houses, indicating that she is not provided with a stable living arrangement. She becomes a symbol of the elderly population's lack of security and stability.

Treated Like a Child:

Maggie treats Granny like one of her children. She is often given orders and told to go to bed early, highlighting her lack of independence and the fact that she is regarded as an additional responsibility.

Awareness of Lack of Purpose:

Granny is aware of her own lack of purpose and often expresses a desire to be elsewhere, wishing her time away. This reflects the emotional struggles and isolation that elderly individuals may experience.

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Drama

Neglect and Disrespect:

Granny's situation exposes the neglect and disrespect that the elderly can face. Isa treats her with disrespect, and Lizzie is primarily interested in her pension book, illustrating the self-serving attitudes of some family members.

Moments of Comic Relief:

Drops Biscuit into Tea:

Granny provides moments of comic relief in the play. For instance, when Maggie is hurt by Lily's reaction to her new hat, Granny's action of dropping her biscuit into her tea diverts attention and adds a touch of humour. This juxtaposition of humour and perceptiveness within Granny's character offers depth to her portrayal.

Voicelessness and Dependency:

A Caricature of Elderly Dependency:

Granny's character serves as a caricature, highlighting the extreme dependency experienced by elderly individuals in society. She lacks independence and control over her own life, relying entirely on her family for her well-being and care.

Burden of the Elderly and Poverty:

Neglected Needs:

Granny's character underscores the burden placed on families when caring for elderly relatives. Her presence creates additional demands on an already struggling household, highlighting the overcrowding and limited resources associated with poverty.

Pension as a Source of Income:

Granny's pension book is used as a source of income for the family, reflecting the financial strain they are under. This exploitation of her pension underscores the economic difficulties they face.

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Drama

Voicelessness and Lack of Agency:

Granny's Role in the Plot:

While Granny provides important context regarding the challenges of ageing, her character does not significantly drive the plot. Her voicelessness and lack of agency underscore the vulnerability of elderly individuals in society.

The Neighbours

Introduction

Mrs. Wilson, Mrs. Bone, and Mrs. Harris, the neighbours in the play, collectively serve as a Greek chorus, providing commentary on the events, offering help, and representing the wider community within the tenements.

Role of the Neighbours:

Part of a Close-Knit Community:

The neighbours are integral parts of a closely-knit community within the tenements, reflecting the interdependence of residents who often help each other out in times of need.

Gossips

These women are known for their gossiping tendencies, knowing the ins and outs of everyone's business in the neighbourhood. Their gossip serves as a source of information and judgement.

Commentary on the Action:

Functioning as a Greek chorus, the neighbours provide commentary on the ongoing action while being both insiders and outsiders to the drama. Their comments shed light on various aspects of the play's themes.

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Drama

Social Control and Domestic Relationships:

The neighbours highlight the social control exerted by men in their homes, with each of their husbands exerting varying degrees of control over their lives.

Female Social Experience:

They embody the female social experience within the tenement community, engaging in activities like having tea and making jokes about their husbands out of earshot, showcasing the solidarity and support among women.

Amplifying Themes:

The neighbours help amplify themes such as domestic relationships, social and economic control, and the female social experience in the tenement context.

Gossip and Community Members:

Close-Knit Community:

The neighbours exemplify the dynamics of a closely-knit community, where individuals help each other out in times of need, providing a sense of unity and shared experiences.

Judgmental Views:

These women reflect the judgmental views prevalent in society at the time. They gossip about issues like nits, Alec, and Jenny, showcasing the social norms and biases of the era.

Mutual Support:

The neighbours offer support to one another through babysitting, providing a support system for domestic abuse victims, and sharing information and experiences

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Drama

Emphasis on Social Control:

The neighbours highlight the extent of social control exerted by men in their households. This control is reflected through actions like Mrs. Bone's husband banging on the floor for her or Mrs. Harris's economic dependence on her husband's wages.

Female Social Experience:

The interactions between the neighbours exemplify the interconnectedness between generations of women in the community, with tea sessions and private conversations providing a glimpse into their shared experiences and struggles.

The neighbours function as a collective voice that comments on the social dynamics, gender roles, and relationships within the tenement community, adding depth and perspective to the play's narrative.