Character: Maggie

Character: Maggie

Character Profile: Maggie Morrison

Key Characteristics

Maggie Morrison is the central figure of Men Should Weep, portrayed as the matriarch of the family.
She is tenacious, strong-willed, and relentlessly optimistic considering the family’s dire circumstances.
Maggie, despite being overwhelmed, carries the burden of not just her own but the entire family’s despair and struggles.

Personality and Behaviour

Despite the hardships, Maggie goes to great lengths to maintain dignity and respectability for her family. This is reflected when she insists her children are not “ragamuffins” and have never been to a pawn shop.
She attempts to uphold and maintain a healthy, supportive familial environment, often acting as a mediator during conflicts.
She’s loving and emotionally available and puts everyone else’s needs before her own.

Significant Actions and Decisions

Maggie’s decision to take in Lily and her newborn baby, despite the additional burden, illustrates her strong sense of responsibility and compassion.
Her constant efforts to make ends meet, from mending clothes to organising meals with limited resources, showcase her character’s resilience.

Impact on the Plot

Maggie’s interactions with different characters drive the plot, highlighting the class and societal pressures of the period.
Her relationship with John forms the emotional core of the play, where both of them support each other through their struggles.

Notable Quotes for Reflection

“They’re no ragamuffins…an’ they’ve never been to the pawn yet.” This quote showcases Maggie’s insistence on maintaining the family’s respectability.
“We’ll get on. We’ve been worse than this. We’ll get on.” Demonstrates Maggie’s relentless optimism and strength of character.

Conclusion

Throughout the play, Maggie stands as a symbol of the resilience, strength and hope that’s essential for survival in desperate circumstances especially during the Great Depression.