Brick Pollitt

Definition

Brick Pollitt is a central character in Tennessee Williams' play 'The Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,' representing the struggle of a man caught between societal expectations and personal identity. Brick's character embodies themes of repression, alcoholism, and the search for authenticity amidst family dysfunction, making him a complex figure in Williams' exploration of the human condition.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Brick is a former athlete whose struggles with his masculinity and personal demons reflect broader societal issues regarding identity and acceptance.
2. He copes with the death of his friend Skipper, which serves as a catalyst for his emotional turmoil and addiction to alcohol.
3. His relationship with his family, especially his father Big Daddy, highlights themes of betrayal, manipulation, and the quest for truth.
4. Brick's famous refrain about 'mendacity' emphasizes his disdain for lies and superficiality within his family and society.
5. The character represents Williams' critique of traditional Southern values and the complexities of familial loyalty and personal freedom.

Review Questions

• How does Brick Pollitt's struggle with identity reflect the themes presented in Tennessee Williams' works?
  • Brick Pollitt's struggle with identity showcases Williams' exploration of personal authenticity against societal expectations. Brick grapples with his masculinity and his past relationships, especially with Skipper, which leads to deep emotional conflicts. His internal battles resonate with Williams' recurring themes of desire, loss, and the impact of family dynamics on individual identity.
• In what ways do Brick Pollitt's interactions with Maggie highlight the complexities of their marriage and personal struggles?
  • Brick's interactions with Maggie reveal the profound complexities in their marriage, characterized by longing, frustration, and unspoken grief. Maggie's desperate attempts to connect with Brick contrast sharply with his emotional detachment fueled by guilt over Skipper's death. This dynamic illustrates how both characters are trapped in their own struggles, showcasing Williams’ poignant commentary on love and disconnection within familial relationships.
• Evaluate how Brick Pollitt serves as a critique of Southern values in 'The Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,' particularly in relation to masculinity and truth.
  • Brick Pollitt critically embodies the tension between traditional Southern values and the quest for personal truth. His rejection of the lies surrounding him reveals Williams' disdain for the superficiality often associated with Southern honor and reputation. By portraying Brick’s internal conflict over masculinity—exemplified through his athletic past and emotional vulnerability—Williams invites the audience to question societal norms that dictate what it means to be a 'real man,' ultimately challenging the integrity of those values in light of personal authenticity.

Related terms

Tennessee Williams:

An influential American playwright known for his emotionally charged plays that explore themes of desire, loss, and family dynamics.

Maggie Pollitt: Brick's ambitious and frustrated wife in 'The Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,' who seeks her husband's affection while grappling with the family's secrets.

Southern Gothic:

A literary genre that incorporates grotesque themes and supernatural elements, often set in the American South, reflecting social issues and human frailty.