Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

by Tennessee Williams

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof: Style 1 key example

Act 2
Explanation and Analysis:

The style of the play is fairly realistic. Characteristic of a family drama, there are lots of cyclical and rehashed arguments that create a sense of repetitiveness; characters often have back-and-forths that don't seem to go anywhere or circle an unsaid point. Big Daddy and Big Mama exemplify this repetitiveness in Act 2: 

BIG DADDY: I'll talk like I want to on my birthday, Ida, or any other goddarn day of the year and anybody here that don't like it knows what they can do!

BIG MAMA: You don't mean that!

BIG DADDY: What makes you think I don't mean it? 

BIG MAMA: I just know you don't mean it. 

BIG DADDY: You don't know a goddam thing and you never did!

BIG MAMA: Big Daddy, you don't mean that.