How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Act.Page.Line). Every time a character talks counts as one line, even if what they say turns into a long monologue. We used the New Directions edition of the play, published in 1971.
Quote #1
MARGARET
I always thought drinkin' men lost their looks, but I was plainly mistaken. (I.29.316-317)
The fact that Brick does keep his looks is quite remarkable considering the amount he drinks. It's almost as though Fate is playing a cruel trick on him by allowing him to keep the appearance of normalcy, while destroying his internal self. He still remains attached to society through his looks, but the alcohol eats away at his insides.
Quote #2
BRICK
It just hasn't happened yet, Maggie. MARGARET
What?
BRICK
The click I get in my head when I've had enough of this stuff to make me peaceful….(I.33.702-705)
Without alcohol, a war wages within Brick as he deals with the lies in which he's been complicit. Alcohol helps numb the lies.
Quote #3
MARGARET
[…] My daddy loved his liquor, he fell in love with his liquor the way you've fallen in love with Echo Spring! […] (I.54.886-888)
Maggie is surrounded by alcoholics, men who turn to alcohol to fill the gaps in their lives and to help themselves battle them battle bitter truths. She never drinks throughout the play, but she also says that she never trusts a man who doesn't drink.