Summer
and Smoke:
Alma
Character
Analysis
11/21/13
Intro to Acting
Marcie Webber
Summer and Smoke. Marcie Webber 1
Alma Winemiller grew up an introverted Caucasian girl, in the rural city of Glorious Hill,
at the turn of the century. She remained in Glorious Hill as an un-married woman in her midtwenties, living with her middle class parents: Reverend and Mrs. Winemiller. She did not,
however, remain introverted.
Alma was a peculiar young girl, and grew into a peculiar young woman. As a child she
had a grown up air about her, and as a woman she had the semblance of a spinster. Some of that
appearance may have been derived from her high moral character and the great expectations she
placed on others. Alma was a Reverend’s daughter, and she lived up to that responsibility. She
was polite and respectful of others. She dressed neatly and modestly. Alma also expected those
with any talent or ability, to have a higher moral standard than those who had no such gifts.
Alma’s peers often viewed her as “putting on airs” because of her high moral standards,
but also because of her graceful yet exaggerated gestures. She was also viewed this way because
of her good articulation, and almost British sounding accent. Added to that, was the fact that she
was a grade “A” student throughout her education.
Other people regarded her as “quaintly and humorously affected.” (Williams 127) That
was, perhaps, because of her desire for order and neatness. Alma was also viewed as having a
manner of “delicacy and elegance, a kind of ‘airiness’…she seems to belong to a more elegant
age…” (Williams 131) She was also described as having the voice and mannerisms that “belong
to years of church entertainments, to the position of hostess in a rectory.” (Williams 127)
The church entertainment which Alma participated in was singing. She did not sing much
in public, in spite of her beautiful voice, because performing proved to be too strenuous for her,
Summer and Smoke. Marcie Webber 2
considering her easily excitable nature. So, Alma chose instead to give voice lessons to the
young children of the neighborhood.
In addition to teaching music lesson, Alma cleaned and kept the house, since her mother
was incapacitated by her own selfish and childish desires. One of Alma’s other interests was her
little intellectual artists group that met every week to discuss literature. She was not a very
creative person. Even though she loved good literature and music, she did not use her
imagination enough to be considered truly creative.
Alma’s lack of creativity was one of the signs of her shy, reserved character. She often
spoke plainly, yet haltingly, with many pauses. Despite this, she was sure of her speech and often
used long pretentious words. Alma also had the nervous tendencies to laugh breathily before
each phrase of her conversation, as well as to play with the topaz and pearl ring she always wore.
When Alma was this reserved, introverted woman, she was very content with her life. She had
no real ambitions, and was settled in her life. Alma’s true nature, however, was “still hidden even
from herself.” (Williams 127)
The change in Alma’s character came about because of Dr. John Buchanan Jr. Alma had
been in love with John her whole life, but she had never approved of his wild tendencies and
ungentlemanly behavior. She was also scared of her attraction to John, and fearful that his
interest in her might result in her fall from gentility. However, after declining John’s invitation to
a private room in a casino, Alma was no longer content with her dull suitors.
Several days later, John revealed to Alma that he never would have made love to her at
the Casino, even if she had consented to go with him. That was when Alma realized there was
something of the gentleman in him. Not long after that, John left for Lyon to work at a fever
Summer and Smoke. Marcie Webber 3
clinic there. His absence caused Alma’s yearning and love for him to grow. She realized how
close she had come to having her gentleman, the love of her life, and how she had missed the
opportunity.
When John returned to Glorious Hill, Alma suspected he had become engaged to one of
her former voice pupils, and she fully rebelled against her old lifestyle. Finally shedding the last
of her skin of reclusion, she went to John to offer herself to him.
Alma found John in his office and all she wanted was him, before it was too late. She
wanted John not only because she loved him, but also because making love to John would
signify the completion of her metamorphosis. In order to get what she wanted, Alma was willing
to be honest and vulnerable, and even to steal the happiness of one of her favorite pupils. Once
she made her proposal, however, she found that she was not the only one who had made a
transformation. John had become a true gentleman in his time away, and so he kindly, but firmly
refused her offer. Having failed Alma did the only thing she could and offered her blessings to
the happy couple.
Her story did not end in complete rejection, though. As Alma sat on a bench in the park
after leaving John’s office, she met a man with whom she formed an immediate bond. Alma
Winemiller could not have John, but as a whole new woman she was ready to meet new people,
and enjoy a new life.
Summer and Smoke. Marcie Webber 4
In the Scene
Who am I: Alma Winemiller
Where am I: Dr. John Buchanan Jr.’s office
What do I want: John Buchanan Jr.
Why do I want it: Because I love Dr. Buchanan, and it will complete my transformation into a
new woman.
What is preventing me from getting it: Dr. Buchanan has decided to be a gentleman, and believe
in the soul.
What am I willing to do to get what I want: To be open and honest. Make myself vulnerable, and
hurt the feelings of an old pupil.
Whom do I want it from: John Buchanan
When do I need it: Now, before it’s too late.
Bibliography:
Williams, Tennessee. “The Eccentricities of a Nightingale and Summer and Smoke: Two plays
by Tennessee Williams.” New York, NY: New Directions Books, 1948.