Men should Weep-Background and Plot

Background

Author

Ena Lamont Stewart, born in Glasgow in 1912, was a playwright and librarian. She married Scottish actor Jack Stewart and had a son named William. Her theatrical career began with the MSU Repertory Theatre in Rutherglen, where she wrote her first successful play, "Distinguished Company," in 1942. Her experiences as a receptionist at a children's hospital in Glasgow inspired her to write "Starched Aprons" in 1945.

Cultural Context:

Ena Lamont Stewart was deeply affected by the poverty and dire living conditions in the Gorbals area of Glasgow. This experience exposed her to the hardships, malnutrition, tuberculosis, and other ailments afflicting the residents. It also influenced her observation of everyday speech and the realism evident in her play.

Inspirations for the Play

Ena Lamont Stewart wanted to break away from conventional theatre of her time, which often portrayed glamorous, unreal scenarios. She sought to depict real life and ordinary people in her work.

Sexual Inequality

The play's title, "Men Should Weep," sarcastically conveys the playwright's critique of the men's behaviour towards the women during the 1930s. Despite facing poverty, unemployment, and shame, these men often failed to appreciate the efforts of the women who held their homes and morale together. The title challenges men to reconsider the plight of women and the resilience they display, particularly through the character of Maggie, who remains strong even in the face of adversity.

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Drama

Summary

"Men Should Weep" is a powerful play set in the 1930s, originally performed by the Glasgow Unity Theatre in 1947. It was later adapted and revived in 1982 by Glasgow's 7:84 Company, and in 2010 by the National Theatre. The story revolves around the following key points:

• The play is a stark portrayal of the poverty-stricken Gorbals area in Glasgow, where residents suffer from malnutrition, tuberculosis, and other diseases. It offers a realistic interpretation of the devastating impact of poverty on people's lives.

• The title, "Men Should Weep," is a scathing commentary on the behaviour of men during that era, highlighting their disregard for the stalwart women who held their households together. The play encourages men to reevaluate their actions and self-pity.

• The character of John Morrison embodies the disillusionment and despair of many men, contrasting with the resilience and strength of his wife, Maggie. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Maggie, not John, remains steadfast in the face of adversity.

• Ena Lamont Stewart's play challenges the prevailing gender norms and societal attitudes of her time, making a powerful statement about sexual inequality and the need for men to acknowledge and address it.

• Act 1, Scene 1: The play opens in a chaotic tenement setting where Maggie struggles to manage her household. The scene highlights the family's poverty and tensions between family members and neighbours.

• Act 1, Scene 2: Alec and Isa, whose tenement has collapsed, seek refuge with Maggie's family. The scene reveals Alec's drunkenness and his strained relationship with his wife.

• Act 2, Scene 1: A week later, tensions continue to rise as Granny prepares to leave for Lizzie's care. Maggie's son, Bertie, is diagnosed with tuberculosis, adding to the family's troubles.

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Drama

• Act 2, Scene 2: Maggie reaches a breaking point. She is exhausted and frustrated with her husband, John, and son, Alec, who is becoming increasingly violent. The scene ends with Maggie's emotional breakdown.
• Act 3: The final act brings a glimmer of hope as John finds work, and the family's situation improves. Maggie regains her optimism and sense of self-worth. Her daughter Jenny returns with money to help the family, and Maggie takes control of the situation, leaving John humiliated. The play concludes with an optimistic outlook for Maggie's future.

Key Scene - Maggie's Breakdown (Act II, Scene 2):

• In this pivotal scene, Maggie reaches her breaking point. She is tired of the constant strain and selflessness required to maintain her family.
• Maggie's frustration with her husband and son becomes evident as she seeks support and understanding, but they fail to provide it.
• The scene ends with Maggie's emotional outburst, marking a turning point in her character's journey towards independence and self-realisation.

Key Scene - Maggie's Decision (Act III)

• This scene is crucial in the play as Maggie regains her strength and self-esteem.
• Jenny's arrival and her offer of financial help give Maggie hope for a better future.
• Maggie takes charge and asserts herself, making plans for a more prosperous life for her family, leaving her husband, John, in a state of humiliation.
• The play ends on an optimistic note as Maggie envisions a brighter future for her family, symbolised by the line "There'll be flowers come the spring!" indicating hope and renewal.