Questions

1. Do you feel that the family does really love each other or are they just trying to make due with their past mistakes? 
2. Do you think Mary is overly concerned about her appearance (her hair, figure, etc)? 
3.  If you were James, would you continue to let Mary be in denial, or would you try to convince her that her son is really sick?

Answers: 

(Gillian to question 1)

The Tyrone family really does love each other. Their actions in Act I clearly show their affection towards each other, especially with Tyrone and Mary. Tyrone says to Mary in the beginning of Act I, “Now, now, Mary. That’s your imagination. If I’ve watched you it was to admire how fat and beautiful you looked.” Although they have their bad moments, Tyrone does his best to keep his wife calm and happy. The same goes for the brothers, Jamie and Edmund.

(Thando to question 1)

Yes, I feel that everyone in the Tyrone family loves each other, even through their past struggles. James shows a lot of affection towards Mary, complimenting her figure and her beautiful hair. They speak lovingly to each other in the beginning of the play. The family

is generally concerned for each other’s health and well-being, although they argue and fight. I think having problems as a family is completely real and normal, and there can still be love behind issues.

(Thando to question 2)

I don’t think Mary is overly concerned about her appearance. She worries about it, yes, but to me, it isn’t too much. It’s natural for women to be harsh on themselves when it comes to their physical features, so her concern over how she looks is not overwhelming. There is more on her mind that has nothing to do with her appearance, and she does not let it take over her life, although she misses her old looks.

(Chris to question 2)

Mary does seem obsessive over her body. This is most apparent whenever her mangled hands becomes the subject of discussion. “Poor hands! You’d never believe it, but they were once one of my good points, along with my hair and eyes, and i had a fine figure, too.” Though she tends not to mention it as much unless she is hooked up on morphine, she misses being young and beautiful. Mary is hung up on the past throughout the play; her appearance back then definitely plays a big role to why she does so.

 

(Gillian to question 3)

If I were James, I wouldn’t continue to let Mary be in denial about Edmund's illness. It just seems like its the parents job to accept how their child is and its the parents job to care for their child regardless. Throughout the play I kept thinking, “why doesn't she accept it and just take care of him?” I thought it was times/things like those that brings families together because it helps everyone accept it as well as spend more time together as a family.

(Chris to question 3)

It isn't fair to leave Mary in the dark about the situation, because like her son said, she'd be even more shocked when she finds out her son really is sick. It is in her best interest to know the truth as soon as possible. She should not be lied to, especially by her husband, so if I was James, I would not let her be in denial.