Men Should Weep by Ena Lamont Stewart: School Edition

I have taught 'Men Should Weep' as a set text at Higher for the last few years and at times it had been a struggle to get copies of the play so I am really pleased that this new edition is out.

It begins with a brief introduction and context, including a bit about the language used in it. The play is then presented in full.

After the play there are lots of notes, revision and practice. Firstly, it takes you step by step through each scene, using a revision question as a focus, with notes on several quotations (and page numbers) to support pupils with them. There are tasks pertaining to the context, to the structure of the play (with key terms like 'exposition' explained), the main characters (supported by a web with Maggie in the centre), relationships and conflict, the ending and themes.

There is also some general advice for using it as a text for both the Set Text and Critical Essay sections of the final exam. There is one set of exam questions for both sections, which is always handy. There are revision questions too, which are always helpful.

It would be great to see in future editions more translation of the Scots - a lot of pupils studying this will not be familiar with the Glaswegian dialect and maybe not much Scots at all.

Overall, the detailed scene notes and revision prompts will be useful to any pupil studying this play.

-- English Teacher, Blairgowrie High School, Perth and Kin