Plot Summary

Act I

In the beginning, Brick is taking a shower, and Maggie complains about her no-neck monster nieces and nephews. She goes on to talk about Mae and Gooper and their scheme to steal Big Daddy’s estate after he dies of cancer. Brick is completely indifferent during the entire conversation. He broke his ankle by jumping hurdles while he was drunk so now he must use crutches. After a certain look Brick gives to Maggie, she goes off on how lonely it is to live with someone you love, who does not love you back. The constant rejection Maggie receives from Brick pushes her over the limit. She mentions Skipper, which is not well taken by Brick.

It is Big Daddy’s birthday, and Big Mama comes in to share the good news that Big Daddy just has a spastic colon, not cancer. She then criticizes Maggie for being childless and asks Brick if he’s been drinking. Brick’s homosexuality and deep feelings for Skipper become evident. Maggie continues to talk about Skipper, even though Brick warns her to stop. Skipper’s death left Brick very depressed and uneasy.

Act II

The whole family gets together to celebrate Big Daddy’s birthday. There is cake and the no-neck monsters sing a song for Big Daddy. He orders everyone out, though, and asks to speak with Brick, his favorite son. The talk about Brick’s relationship with Maggie, his drinking problem, his relationship with Skipper, and Big Daddy talks about his life. Brick is annoyed and only wants a drink so he can get his click, but Big Daddy refuses to let him until they finally make a deal. Brick then tells Big Daddy that everyone has been lying to him, and he really does have cancer.

Act III

Once Big Daddy leaves, the rest of the family gets together where Doctor Baugh can break the news of Big Daddy’s cancer to Big Mama. Gooper tries to break the news to her, but Big Mama insists on Brick telling her. Gooper gets angry with his parent’s favoritism of Brick. He gets out a will he drafted, but Big Mama rejects it with disgust. Maggie announces that she and Brick are going to have a baby. This makes Big Mama and Big Daddy very excited, but Mae and Gooper do not believe her. Maggie and Brick are then left alone, and Brick finally gets his click. Maggie locks up his liquor so he must make love to, her because it is her time to conceive, before she will give him the liquor back.

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