1. Williams’ Cat (1955) Williams’ dramas dominate mid-20 th cent. American theatres. Wurlitzer Juke Box (c. 1950s)

2. So many revisions several versions of Act III of Cat exist (see “materials: selected_notes: williams” for more info.); in earlier versions of drama Big Daddy only present in Act II; in later versions he returns in Act III (a move encouraged by stage directors but not so impressive to Williams) further, subtle modifications noticeable in 1958 Hollywood adaptation of play

3. Dominant motifs & themes miscommunication, anger, infidelity, apathy, alcoholism, money, children, trophies, cats, etc. false appearances as forces of repression (cf. Wilde’s Earnest); greed as basis for some classic tragedy; lying and scheming as inevitable human traits; hope as being found in surprising places

4. Connections & disconnections + Are there double meanings here?

5. Results or causes = To hear a peaceful click, the echo of one’s soul, that place where “hope springs eternal” (Pope’s Essay on Man, 1733).

6. Some dramatic scenes (1) Maggie and Brick, Act I http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PqnLJvn8t4 (2) Maggie confronts Brick, Act I http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0eNipPOpnQ (3) Mendacity, Act II http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NYH8kHZFZ0