THE EXAM: SECTION A
REVISION PROMPTS FOR EXAM PREPARATION
Please draw upon one critical perspective in each response.
‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’
REVISION PROMPTS FOR EXAM PREPARATION
Please draw upon one critical perspective in each response.
‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’
- 'More than anything else, ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’ is concerned with mendacity.' What view does the play offer about the effects of mendacity on the lives of its characters?
- ‘'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’ confronts the issue that for all the characters, there is a conflict between truth and illusion.'
- To what extent does the ambiguous ending of ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’ reveal Williams’ views of patriarchal attitudes in the American South in the 1950s?
- Reflect on how ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’ by Tennessee Williams, could be considered a radical play that pushes for social reform.
- Consider the proposition that Tennessee Williams critiques how the patriarchal structure of society influences female behaviour in ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’.
- Consider the extent to which the characters in ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’ are compelled to conform to societal expectations.
- How does the narrative perspective of the play suggest that truth is an elusive notion?
- Although Brick is the “mystery” of the play, the play’s action belongs to Maggie. Discuss.
- Consider the proposition that Williams exposes and explores the inequalities of American society in the 1950’s in ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’.
- How does Tennessee Williams challenge the myth of the American Dream in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof?
- Reflect on the idea that the flaws exhibited by Williams’ characters are the consequences of their isolation.
- Consider the proposition that Williams suggests that the constructs of masculinity are just as restrictive as those of femininity.
- To what extent does Williams challenge prevailing ideas about wives and mothers in ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’?
- ‘Williams question the social, economic and political exploitation of women.’ How do the female characters use of power subvert patriarchal models?
- ‘Williams explores gender and human sexuality in ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’. How do the relationships in this play, question stereotypes of heterosexuality?