Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

Is Maggie a sympathetic character? Does she truly love Brick? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

The play takes place in a single evening. How does this time frame affect the plot? How might the play be different if it occurred over a longer period of time?

There are three couples in the play: Big Daddy and Big Mama, Gooper and Mae, and Brick and Maggie. Compare and contrast two couples. Is either couple healthy?

Analyze the importance of setting in the play. What objects are included in the setting? How does the setting create tension?

How are men and women treated differently in the play? Why are they treated differently?

Maggie and Big Daddy both push Brick to talk about his relationship with Skipper. How are their conversations different? Why does Brick communicate more with Big Daddy than Maggie?

Throughout the play, there are many interruptions. What is the significance of each interruption, particularly during Brick’s conversations with Maggie and Big Daddy?

How is love described in the play? Are there any instances of genuine love? Overall, what is Williams trying to say about the nature of love?