The American Family and Excessive Social Demands in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Xuan Vu 12th Grade

Tennessee Williams' "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" explores the difficulties of moral progressiveness due to character's inherent desires to fulfil the ludicrous demands of contemporary society which are rooted in traditional values. The unattainable goal of perfection, as established by conservative society, leads characters to their demise; especially Maggie who ultimately compromises her integrity for the sake of upholding a façade of fulfilment.

The central couple, Brick and Maggie, undeniably lack mutual chemistry and their dysfunctionality highlights the desperation of appealing to societal expectations. Both members of the marriage are inevitably dissatisfied, merely utilising the marriage as a crutch to adhere to society's rigid ideals; Maggie should marry rich and Brick should marry a woman. The dynamic of the couple is oxymoronic in their respective behaviours yet they are inherently bonded by society's demands to uphold traditional values. Evidently both Brick and Maggie have failed in the eyes of a society that does not demand too much, but merely tolerates so little. Consequently, both characters believe they merely "occupy the same cage", their bedroom. This location acts as a symbol of privacy and intimacy for the couple...