Why can't you lose your good looks, Brick? Most drinkin' men lose theirs. Why can't you? I think you've even gotten better-lookin' since you went on the bottle. You were such a wonderful lover...You were so excitin' to be in love with. Mostly, I guess, 'cause you were... If I thought you'd never never make love to me again... why I'd find me the longest, sharpest knife I could and I'd stick it straight into my heart. I'd do that. Oh Brick, how long does this have to go on? This punishment? Haven't I served my term? Can't I apply for a pardon?

Lately, that finishin' school voice of yours sounds like you was runnin' upstairs to tell somebody the house is on fire.

Is it any wonder? You know what I feel like? I feel all the time like a cat on a hot tin roof.

Then jump off the roof, Maggie, jump off it. Now cats jump off roofs and they land uninjured. Do it. Jump.

Jump where? Into what?

Take a lover.

[angrily]

I don't deserve that! I can't see any man but you. With my eyes closed, I just see you. Why can't you get ugly Brick? Why can't you please get fat or ugly or somethin' so I can stand it?

You'll make out fine. Your kind always does.

Oh, I'm more determined than you think. I'll win all right.

Win what? What is, uh, the victory of a cat on a hot tin roof?

Just stayin' on it, I guess. As long as she can.