Cat on a Het(eronormative) Tin Roof

Abstract

The aim of this project is to analyze the topic of heteronormativity in Tennessee Williams' Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1955). Theories from gender theorists such as Judith Butler and Michel Foucault will be used to expose how heterosexuality is imposed and homosexuality restrained in the work, as well as different essays collected in Harold Bloom's Modern Critical Interpretations in which scholars analyze the theme of homosexuality in the text. In addition, this paper will assemble a comparison between the two different third acts of the play: the one that was represented in 1955 after changes recommended by the Director of the play, and the one that Williams had
written originally and published as his finished product in 1956. This paper will prove how heteronormativity is not only present within the story, concerning its queer characters, but it was also present in the adaptation of the text to the stage; and how it motivated changes in the creative process. The goal is to prove that the changes made the ending of the play more heteronormative.