Brick says that 'Mendacity is a system we live in. Liquor is one way out, death is another...'. Discuss Williams' treatment of mendacity and truth and a theme in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof'.

The first 200 words of this essay...

Brick says that "Mendacity is a system we live in. Liquor is one way out, death is another...". Discuss Williams' treatment of mendacity and truth and a theme in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof'.

'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof' is essentially about Tennessee Williams as a writer exposing universal truths to an unsuspecting audience, by testing social boundaries. The characters in this 1950s patriarchal play are sensationalised and give us an unclear ending to prove to the audience that his issues are something to be debated. The idea of 'mendacity' is Williams' way of microcosmically encompassing society through a central character's role within a family setting. It explores human relationships and attitudes towards one another. Brick is a character facing the effects of being pushed into social limbo in order to achieve a conventionality that simply cannot exist.

All of the characters are involved with lies in one form or another. The audience is shown how people lie to placate themselves as the truth can be too difficult to accept. Brick significantly poses the question, 'Who can face the truth? Can you?'

Brick's character depicts resignation and capitulation. His own name