Theme of Poverty

Question 1

“No got a pair of knickers to her name” says Lily about Edie - Act I, Scene 1

Answer 1

This shows that Maggie and John are in so much poverty that they cannot afford underwear for their daughter.

Question 1

“It’s a midden looking out on other middens. It’s got rats and bugs” - Act III

Answer 1

Jenny says this whilst discussing why her parents and siblings need to move house as their current one is very unsanitary.

Question 2

“Disgracing me in front of the hale shop” says Jenny - Act I, Scene 2

Answer 2

This shows Jenny’s embarrassment about her mother begging for old mouldy food at the shop she works at since Maggie cannot afford food.

Question 3

“He saw me hame from the dancing, he’d take one look at the close and that’s the last I’d see of him” says Jenny about the house - Act III

Answer 3

This shows that Jenny has found it difficult to find a decent man due to the state of her house as she finds it so embarrassing.