Question 1
Sam’s monologue in Act III reveals his inner sexual desires and also suggests that his relationship with sally is not one of the most ideal relationships. His thought also reveals McNally’s need to show that the characters suffer in different ways. Sam and Sally are unable to have children even though they have been trying for a number of years. Sam worries that Ally has been unfaithful and his “brain becomes a collision course of random thoughts” (McNally Act 3). While he believes that the thoughts may be trivial, he is right as Sally has a brief affair with John. The fact that the thoughts comes to his mind reveals that he is insecure in his marriage and leads to him thinking that he is losing his mind. The anxiety he feels is real yet some readers may think that these thoughts are trivial as he compares his emotions to being unable to tie his shoe laces. The strain in the relationship comes through the eyes of a male and suggests that McNally wants to draw the sympathy for men as that stronger sex but who can be weakened by love. The lack of communication is even more apparent as he notes that he cannot talk to his wife about how he feels. Clearly, the monologue is a cry for help and a cry that the relationship is in trouble. But, Sam attitude and personality does not allow him to make the attempt to work out his relationship.
Question 2
McNally presents conflict and catharsis in the play “Lips Together, Teeth Apart.” People are often silent about the things that truly matter in a relationship and because of this many persons experience some amount of conflict. The relationship between is complicated and accounts for much of the conflict in the play. Sally inherits the beach house from her brother who succumbed to his battles with AIDS. Sam stays with her and later he invites his sister and her husband to come to stay with them. The contrasting personalities in the group create tension that leads to a number of conflicting episodes. The personalities of each of the character contribute to the conflict in the play. Chloe, Sam’s sister is an introvert and she appears needy while her husband John is often rude and arrogant. Sally is troubled, but can be philosophical at the same time. Sam is straight-forward and practical. Through these characters McNally shows that the differences in personality can lead to the breakdown in relationships, betrayals, sadness, sickness and burdens. The greatest challenge comes through the lack of communication on the part of the characters that prefer to engage in monologues in the play instead of speaking to each other about their problems. The monologues are interesting and quite revealing as through Sam’s monologue in Act III, the readers realize that there are sexual problems in his relationship. His monologue helps the readers to understand the bonds that connect each character. Catharsis is also presented as an important element in the play as the characters develop ways to release the emotions that are within. Cathartic humor allows the characters to find an emotional escape from inferior complex that exists within the relationships. In addition, the beach house allows the characters to communicate and contemplate their problems in the relationships and this leads to moments of release of their pent up anger.
Question 3
The issue of sexuality is integral to the development of the plot as the early beginnings of the plays feature the first issue with sexuality. No one wants to tell the secrets of their sexuality, yet it is common throughout the gay society that Sally’s brother had been gay and had died of complications related to his sexual preferences. The issue with his death is what brings the four characters together as Sally inherits the beach house. The sexuality of the members of the gay community allows them peace and they appear to be the only persons enjoying the festive season. Arguably, the two couples’ sexuality allows them to live in conflict as Sam’s monologue reveals that his relationship with his wife does not enhance his sexuality and instead he wishes that he was having sex with his neighbors’ teenage daughter. Understandably, Sam’s thoughts help to show his sexuality as a problem. He again reveals that his sexual desires are strong as he says: “If you were not my sister, I’d jump all over you” (McNally 4) on the presence of the rest of the group. Sam’s desires are probably strongest and his emotions do not allow him to be aware of the feelings of those around him.
Reference
McNally, Terrence “Lips Together Lips Apart” (1992) Plume. Print
