1. Choose a play in which there is a scene which provides a clear turning point in the drama.

2. Introduction ‘Men Should Weep’ by Ena Lamont Stewart is a gripping and intense family drama which provides a clear turning point. The play is set in a typical tenement flat in Glasgow during the great depression of the 30’s. The family suffer greatly from poverty which causes family conflicts due to living so closely together in cramped and dirty conditions. The major themes of this play are poverty and family relationships.

3. Point 1 At the end of Act II Scene II Maggie has a break down. This is due to her reaction to Ernest scuffing his football boots and no one helping her around the house. “(Shouting at John) Leave me alane! Leave me alane! I hate ye! I hate the hale lot o ye!” Use of repetition helps to express how angry Maggie was, the use of exclamation marks also show this – they also help to express her tone of anger.

4. Point 2 The first sign of a significant turning point comes from the stage direction at the beginning of Act III. It contrasts the previous conditions of the untidy household. “The kitchen is clean and tidy and festive: decorations, vase of paper flowers, etc” This happier tone is portrayed through the stage directions and the word choice of festive showing happier times and the better atmosphere in the household.

5. Point 3 Furthermore the families signs of poverty are disappearing. This is due to John now having a job they can now afford luxurious goods which they could never previously afford such as a new wireless. “Och Ernie! That’s enough o that hootin an tootin” “this is the first christmas iv’e had a decent job for ten year; it’s gonna be the best.’’ This conveys how much change has taken place recently within the family everything has changed for the better. They now have money to afford goods they couldn’t previously have.

6. Point 4 Maggie for her christmas receives a red hat. John has bought it for her with the money he has made from his new job. Granny doesn’t think the hat is practical and is garish due to its colour. “ Fancy you wi a red hat. Yon’s nae a colour for an aul wife, Maggie.” Tone- tongue and cheek. Emphasises grannys dislike of the hat.

7. Point 5 Jenny, Maggies daughter comes back home after hearing about Bertie’s plight. She offers her parents advice on getting a house and offers them money to do so. “Jenny opens her handbag and produces a roll of notes that makes Maggie's eyes bulge. She gasps.” The use of onomatopoeia ‘gasps’. The short sentence of ‘she gasps’ Word choice of ‘bulge’ : emphasise Maggie’s shock.