Maggie and Isa Flashcards
Maggie; ‘whit he sees in her…’
This suggests Maggie thinks Alec could have done better and she doesn’t understand why Alec would choose to be with someone like Isa. This shows that in Maggie’s eyes, Isa has no positive or lovable qualities about her. Maggie does not approve of Isa as her daughter in law.
Isa; ‘she disna like me, yer ammy.’
This suggests Isa is aware that Maggie isn’t fond of her and doesn’t approve of her being married to Alec. Isa feels unwelcomed and hated by Maggie
Maggie; ‘You hevna helped him ony.’
Maggie is insulting Isa by saying she hasn’t made a difference to the troubled Alec. The emphasis on the word ‘you’ suggests she is blaming Isa directly for Alec’s lack of change in behaviour and attitude towards lfie, and is insinuating that it is now her job as his wife to take care of him. This shows she thinks Isa is a bad wife and a bad influence on Alec.
Isa; ‘…I’ve improved him. He’ll dae whit I tell him, that’s mair than you can say.’
Whilst Maggie does not approve of the kind of wife Isa is to Alec, neither does Isa approve of Maggie’s upbringing of Alec. She is comparing her treatment of Alec to Maggie’s and is boasting that she’s had better luck at changing Alec than his mother has. This shows that Isa feels the need to compete with Maggie and enjoys insulting her, which is a product of being interested in Maggie’s husband.
Isa; ‘Whaur’s ma dear mither-in-law?’
Isa’s sarcasm when using the word ‘dear’ to describe Maggie shows her lack of respect for Maggie. Through insulting her often and flirting with John knowing fine well he is married, it is clear Isa does not respect Maggie or care about her feelings. She enjoys making Maggie miserable.
Lily; ‘Maggie’s tired oot wi Bertie (looking balefully at Isa and Alec) and a her ither troubles.’
Isa (and Alec) staying wtih Maggie is another burden for Maggie. Isa doesn’t help with any of the housework, instead she stays in bed all day with Alec or is causing drama. This shows she is lazy and inconsiderate of Maggie’s wellbeing.
Maggie; ‘I’ll learn ye tae ca me a bitch!’ (She slaps Isa’s face)
Maggie stands up to Isa’s insults and this shows she won’t take disrespect from her daughter in law. Despite Alec showing a literal obsession for her, Maggie doesn’t keep things peaceful between her and Isa so that she feels welcomed and stays with Alec. This shows that Maggie wouldn’t mind losing her as a member of the family and hates her so much she loses her composure and hits her.
