Essay Questions

What is the significance of Big Daddy and Brick having their most vulnerable conversation in the basement of the home?

The basement in this film represents all of the precious and valuable things that have been stuffed away beneath the feelings of anger and resentment that the father and son have towards each other. Big Daddy wanting his son to be a man in the way that he believes a man should be, and Brick rejecting this. Thus, when they have their most intimate conversation, setting it in the midst of all of the memories of Brick's and Big Daddy's life it represents them being willing to open up to the deeper things of their relationship and make an attempt to reconcile, to see each other in a new way.

What is the significance of of Brick having a broken leg throughout the film?

Brick is seen breaking his leg attempting to run hurdles to reclaim his glory of days past. The symbolism in Brick's broken leg relates to his broken nature as a man. That he is reliant on a crutch in order to move forward. He isn't able to stand on his own two legs because he chooses to be wounded by the past and because of the deep woundings of his father and Maggie. The broken leg signifies a break in his heart, his soul. An injury that takes incredible truth in order to heal.

What is the significance of Maggie claiming that she is pregnant?

Maggie proclaims to be pregnant at the end of the film. Her announcement, whether true or not, if believed means that she and Brick will inherit all of Big Daddy's wealth. Maggie grew up poor; she did not have the money that Brick and Gooper had. She's fought and clawed in order to put herself in a position to never have to be poor again and the key is for her to have a baby with Brick. Thus, it shows she is willing to lie in order to get her deepest needs met regardless of the consequences to anyone else in the family.