Maggie and Lily Flashcards
Maggie; ‘He didna mean onything.’
Maggie’s attempt to justify John’s behaviour (insulting Lily) is in the effort of keeping things peaceful with Lily. This shows that Lily is an important person in Maggie’s life and she cannot afford to lose someone so supportive to her. This also shows that John doesn’t see the importance of Maggie and Lily’s relationship.
Lily (grabbing her arm); ‘I says.’
Lizzie is trying to steal Maggie’s groceries and Lily stops her. This gesture shows her protectiveness of Maggie as a sister and suggests Maggie can trust Lily to support her even when she’s not there.
Lily; ‘Jist like him! Leave a the dirty work tae the women!’
Although lily is supportive of Maggie and they are very close, their views on John and men contrast. Lily is disgusted by John’s excuses to not help Maggie with the housework, however Maggie defends him and promises he’s not like other men and that his excuses are more meaningful. Lily is furious about her blindness to John’s laziness and doesn’t understand how she can be happy in her oppressive situation. Lily’s disgust towards John for not helping with the domestic work emphasises her disagreement of the stereotypical gender roles and shows she believes Maggie deserves someone better.
Maggie; ‘So’m I! No in wages – I’m paid in love.’
Maggie suggests he lives for the emotional fulfillment of caring for her family, but Lily can see that however touching this naive idea Maggie has may be, payment with love is no real payment. Lily is insightful and can see her sister is not fulfilled at all - she is just oppressed, exhausted and has neglected herself entirely to focus on her children. Lily’s insightfulness and concern shows that she cares for Maggie and knows her well.
Lily; ‘aw the hell wi him!…He’s spoilt yer christmas!’
Maggie comes home to evidence that Alec and Isa had been fighting, and knows that Isa has left Alec. She is worried about his whereabouts and her light, cheery festive mood has shifted to being anxious and miserable. This leaves Lily furious which suggests she rarely gets to see Maggie happy enough to spend quality time with her. This highlights the theme of poverty and conflict as Maggie is constantly faced with either financial issues or the aftermath of her badly behaved children, which negatively affects her relationship with Lily.
