Alcohol functions in this play as a means of numbing the pain of living with lies. Brick drinks incessantly in search of a "click" of peacefulness, and, in some ways, to usher himself closer to death. Alcohol is his means of coping with world, when Brick can no longer deal with societal expectations for him. Alcohol functions as an escape from reality.
Questions About Drugs and Alcohol
- Who drinks and under what circumstances?
- What role does alcohol play?
- Does alcohol affect communication?
- What commentary do the presence and use of alcohol provide on the time-period in which the play is set?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Alcohol serves as a means of both temporary escape and suicide in Cat.
Alcohol allows the Pollitt family to function.