Cat on a Hot Tin Roof test

Who is Brick Pollitt married to?

Maggie

What does Maggie often refer to herself as in the play?

A cat

Why is Brick drinking heavily throughout the play?

To cope with his guilt

What does Maggie want from Brick that he refuses to give?

A child

Who are Gooper and Mae?

Brick's brother and sister-in-law

What is the occasion being celebrated in the play?

Big Daddy's birthday

Why does Big Daddy want to speak to Brick privately?

To confront him about his drinking

What does Big Daddy mistakenly believe about his health?

He is in perfect health

What is revealed about Big Daddy's health during the play?

He has terminal cancer

What does Maggie tell Big Daddy about her and Brick's relationship?

They are expecting a child (a lie)

Which theme is central to Cat on a Hot Tin Roof?

Truth and lies

The 'hot tin roof' in the title is a symbol for what?

Maggie's restlessness

What does Brick's crutch symbolize in the play?

His inability to move forward

What is one major source of tension between Brick and Maggie?

Brick's alcoholism

What does the plantation symbolize for the Pollitt family?

The source of their wealth

What does Gooper primarily want from Big Daddy?

Control of the family estate

Which character is most manipulative in trying to win Big Daddy's favor?

Gooper

Who is Skipper in the play?

Brick's former lover

What is Brick's main coping mechanism throughout the play?

Drinking

How does the play conclude regarding Maggie and Brick's future?

They decide to have a child (Maggie lies about pregnancy)

Where does Cat on a Hot Tin Roof take place?

A plantation house in Mississippi

Why does Maggie feel competitive toward Mae and Gooper?

Because they have children and she does not

What is Brick's profession?

Former football player

What is Big Mama's attitude toward Big Daddy throughout the play?

She deeply loves him

What is one reason Brick feels guilty about Skipper's death?

He rejected Skipper's affection

What does Big Daddy say he values the most in life?

Freedom and truth

How does Brick respond when Maggie confronts him about his relationship with Skipper?

He remains silent

What major theme does Brick's alcoholism represent?

Unresolved grief and guilt

What does the mendacity (lying) in the play primarily relate to?

Lies about Big Daddy's health

How does Tennessee Williams use heat as a symbol in the play?

It symbolizes the rising tensions and emotional pressure

How does the setting contribute to the mood of the play?

The hot, tense Southern atmosphere creates pressure and discomfort.

What does Maggie mean when she says she feels like a 'cat on a hot tin roof'?

She feels restless, desperate, and fighting to survive.

How does Maggie describe her relationship with Brick?

Cold, distant, and unfulfilling.

Why is Maggie so concerned about their financial future?

She fears losing the inheritance to Gooper and Mae.

What does Big Daddy's wealth symbolize in the play?

Power, security, and family legacy.

How does Maggie perceive Gooper and Mae's intentions regarding the inheritance?

As greedy and manipulative.

What is Brick's reaction to Maggie's attempts to seduce him?

He rejects her and stays emotionally distant.

What does Maggie reveal about Skipper, and how does it impact Brick?

She reveals Skipper loved Brick, which haunts him.

How does Brick justify his drinking to Maggie?

He drinks until he feels the 'click' that numbs him.

What does the crutch symbolize in Brick's character?

His inability to move forward and emotional paralysis.

How does Maggie manipulate the conversation to keep Brick engaged?

She provokes, seduces, and argues to keep his attention.

Children's Role

They highlight Mae and Gooper's fertility and competition with Maggie.

Big Daddy's Illness

Learned through whispers, rumors, and lies.

Maggie's Determination

To secure her future and inheritance.

Brick's Response to Maggie

He stays detached and cold.

Contrast of Interactions

Maggie/Brick = fractured, cold; Gooper/Mae = united but greedy.

Theme of Mendacity

First emerges in lies about Big Daddy's illness and marriage issues.

Maggie's References to Skipper

To force Brick to confront his feelings.

Brick's Reaction to Suggestion

He becomes defensive, angry, or silent.

Brick's Disgust with Maggie

Suggests guilt, repression, and unresolved grief.

Maggie's Competition with a Ghost

Because Skipper's memory overshadows her marriage.

Stage Directions for Maggie

Show her restlessness, movement, and energy.

Dialogue and Brick's Father

Reveals strained relationship through hints of silence, disapproval, and tension.

Role of Silence

Shows avoidance and repression in Brick and Maggie's exchanges.

Maggie's Appearance of Strength

By speaking boldly and masking fear with confidence.

Significance of Brick's Injury

His broken ankle mirrors his inner brokenness.

Conflict between Truth and Illusion

Set up by showing lies, evasions, and denial.

Family's Presence Impact

Increases tension and competition in Brick and Maggie's interactions.

Gender Roles in 1950s Society

Women depend on men for status and survival.

Big Daddy's Entrance

His authority shifts the scene's energy.

Big Daddy's Attitude toward Mendacity

He rails against lies, pushing for truth.

Big Daddy's View of Gooper and Mae

He despises their greed.

Brick's Behavior with Big Daddy

He becomes defensive and more withdrawn.

Big Daddy's Belief about Cancer

He trusts the doctors' false reports.

Big Daddy's Reaction to Diagnosis

With rage and despair.

Conversation between Brick and Big Daddy

Reveals a strained relationship full of anger and disappointment.

Big Daddy on Skipper

To make Brick confront the truth.

Brick's Drinking

Functions as a defense mechanism to escape guilt.

Big Daddy's Obsession with Desire

Suggests he fears death and clings to life.

Big Daddy vs. Brick on Mendacity

Big Daddy hates lies; Brick accepts them as unavoidable.

Big Daddy on Lies

Sees dishonesty as poison to relationships.

Brick's Difficulty Expressing Emotions

He represses guilt and grief.

Big Daddy's Pressure on Brick

By relentless questioning.

Significance of the 'Click'

Represents numbness and escape.

Big Daddy on Brick and Skipper

Interprets it as containing suppressed romantic feelings.

Brick's Resentment of Big Daddy

Sees questioning as invasive and shaming.

Big Daddy's Discussion of Desire

Relates to the play's themes of vitality, honesty, and repression.

Brick's reaction to Big Daddy's suggestion about Skipper

He denies it and becomes angry.

Big Daddy's values revealed through his past

He values truth, vitality, and freedom.

Contrast between Big Daddy and Brick's experiences

Big Daddy embraces life; Brick withdraws.

Effect of Big Daddy's illness discovery

It devastates him, causing fear and anger.

Brick's violent reaction to discussing Skipper

He cannot face his guilt and repression.

Big Daddy's frustration with Brick

It reveals his fear of death and of wasting life.

Big Daddy's reaction to his diagnosis

It foreshadows family collapse and inheritance battles.

Williams' use of pauses and interruptions

They heighten suspense and conflict.

Impact of Big Daddy's wealth on relationships

It makes them manipulative and materialistic.

Brick's accusation of Big Daddy's dishonesty

Because Big Daddy avoids truths too.

Big Daddy's confrontation with Brick

It challenges traditional father-son dynamics by reversing power and exposing pain.

Exploration of masculinity in the play

It shows masculinity tied to honesty, vitality, and repression.

Atmosphere shift after Big Daddy leaves

To grief, scheming, and tension.

Big Mama's denial of Big Daddy's illness

Denial helps her cope.

Gooper and Mae's behavior change

They become openly aggressive about inheritance.

Gooper's claim to the inheritance

He claims responsibility and stability.

Big Mama's assertion of herself

Through emotional strength and defense of family.

Big Mama's reaction to Big Daddy's diagnosis

Her deep devotion and vulnerability.

Mae's manipulation of the situation

Using her children and respectability.

Brick's detachment from inheritance discussion

He doesn't care about money.

Big Mama's disappointment in Brick

By scolding his coldness and detachment.

Maggie's announcement of pregnancy

To secure her and Brick's future.

Gooper's response to Maggie's claim

He angrily calls it a lie.