Act II

Setting and Developments

The action in Act II is once again focused on the strained home environment of the Morrisons’ tenement flat.

Important Characters

Jenny Morrison: Maggie’s oldest daughter is introduced, who comes across as stylish and confident, contrasting the rest of the family.
Mr. and Mrs. Harrisson: Neighbors of the Morrisons, their successful and respectable lifestyle highlights the Morrisons’ dire state.

Major Plot Points

Maggie’s incessant cough is a concern, implying that she may be succumbing to the effects of living in squalid conditions.
Jenny’s husband, Peter Robb, reveals that he has lost his job, adding another layer to the family’s financial difficulties.
Jenny shares details about her unhappy marriage, introducing the theme of women’s position within domestic relationships.
Granny Morrison has a violent seizure which leads to her death, removing a major source of tension in the household.

Key Themes

Illness and Despair: Maggie’s cough and Granny’s seizure underscore the lethal impact of living in unhealthy conditions.
Unemployment: Peter losing his job extends the theme of economic instability beyond the Morrison family.
Marital Discord: Jenny’s unhappiness in her marriage brings to focus the difficulties women face in maintaining domestic peace.

Quotations for Discussion

Peter Robb: “My job’s as good as done . . .” sheds light on the unpredictability of employment during the time and the cascading effect on families.
Jenny: “The minute we were married, he changed. He’s that cruel-hearted.” This unveils the predicament of women who are expected to tolerate abusive relationships for the sake of societal norms.

Act Conclusion

Act II concludes with John inadvertently finding out about Lily’s pregnancy and her deserted state, bringing the family’s crises to a boil. This heightens the tensions within the Morrison family and sets the stage for further distress.