Jenny
Representative of the younger generation, Jenny feels trapped within the oppressive family home, reminding us of the way Lily and perhaps even Maggie herself was when younger. Jenny has dreams and motivation to move beyond the financial restrictions of her upbringing.
She is John鈥檚 favourite and provokes his anger when she leaves, as he is horrified at her liberal behaviour. He also feels guilty for not being able to provide for her properly.
Jenny departs in Act II as the attitudinal and rebellious daughter and returns regretful, ready to make amends. Her promise of a new home and new life gives the play its optimistic ending, and sets the scene for Maggie鈥檚 transformation.
Jenny鈥檚 role
We hear a lot about Jenny before she enters the play as we wait, along with her mother and father, for her to return home.
Unlike Isa, who is dismissed by all the characters bar one, Jenny was once a kind wee lassie
, but she has become embittered by life in a pig-sty
. When she finally enters she is somewhat unkempt after her night on the town:
made up boldly( for the 1930s): her lipstick is spread over her mouth, her coat and blouse undone, her hair tousled.
The boldness of her make-up reflects her confident challenging of the status quo, while her dishevelled state with spread
lipstick and undone
clothing implies her uninhibited sexual behaviour as well as reminding us of the muddle
that she has grown up in.
Jenny asserts herself in front of her father, declaring that she plans to give up her job I鈥檓 chuckin the shop
with no concern for her family.
Hurtfully, she dismisses any duty
she might have to her parents in favour of striking out on her own: It鈥檚 no ma job tae keep your weans. It鈥檚 yours.
This, on top of the threat she presents to John鈥檚 pride, provokes the physical conflict when John hits her.
In Act III, when Jenny reappears, she is much changed. No longer dressed in tarty clothes
, she has come to make amends for the mistakes of her past. We see her with head bent
listening to John鈥檚 chastisement.
Rather than bringing the play full circle, her return at the end signals a new beginning for the Morrisons, thus making her an important character.