***
MAN
When I was young, all I could think about was writing. I dreamt of nothing else. I had the youthful audacity to believe I could write like Proust or Hemingway.
WOMAN
Get over it. You can never be them. Instead, why can’t you be yourself? God knows many budding writers want to be like you. What’s more, the critics adore your narrative style.
MAN
Okay, you’re right. I’m just a bit nervous. What was I saying? Ah, I have it now. I thought the muse of creativity would stir in my soul. Unfortunately, for me, it took years and years of reading and writing, but when you came along, my mind was freed from its restraint jacket.
WOMAN
I appreciate your acknowledgement. I’m flattered, but I’m not the one who wrote your novels.
MAN
Because …show more content…
Isn’t every writer plagued with uncertainty as to whether they can create something worthwhile…something that will be a testament to their literary genius?
MAN
I suppose, but I fear it will lead to my demise. I fear the day when the public hates my work. So far, I have placated them. I’ve given them what they want to read.
WOMAN
Don’t talk such rubbish. Your novel is bound to make an impression on the critics not to mention your readers as it has done with me.
MAN
How can you say that? Have you read the entire book?
WOMAN
Well no…only two chapters…what I read I find it intriguing.
MAN
In what way?
WOMAN
Well, I like the part about Greek myths about the judgement of the dead.
MAN
Do you believe that when we die, we’ll be judged?
WOMAN
I don’t know but if we are judged, it will be by God.
MAN
How do you define God?
WOMAN
Look, we do not have the time to discuss such philosophical points. Besides, our guests will be here in an hour’s time, so be a good husband and get ready.
MAN
How do you know I’ll be good? How do you know I won’t misbehave?
WOMAN
Are you afraid you will become mad like your father?
MAN
Of course, I am. I’m about the same age when he became unhinged. …show more content…
We live in a supposedly enlightened time…the twentieth century…haven’t you notice the change, or are you too busy praying in front of a statue of Christ. Besides, if the saviour were alive today in 1968, he would be protesting this damn war. I wouldn’t be surprised if He advocated violence.
WOMAN
How dare you disrespect my faith!
SON
How dare you disrespect my right to decide!
WOMAN
Go to Europe! Take comfort in that your cowardice has tainted our family with shame. Before you leave, I want you to tell your father. Perhaps, he’ll…
SON
Talk me in to doing what you consider right. I am afraid my mind is resolute. I shan’t be going to fight in a war I don’t believe to be just and fair.
WOMAN
All right, if you wish to be a coward, then so be it. But can you at least stay for the party. Your father needs you.
SON
Dad’s never needed anyone in his life.
WOMAN Not only are you stupid, but you’re also blind to other people’s faults.
SON
I apologise for being as you put it ‘stupid and blind’. Is there something the matter with you and Dad?
WOMAN
Not with me but with your father. He’s, he’s under a great deal of pressure…most of it is his own creation. Haven’t you noticed it before?
MAN
When I was young, all I could think about was writing. I dreamt of nothing else. I had the youthful audacity to believe I could write like Proust or Hemingway.
WOMAN
Get over it. You can never be them. Instead, why can’t you be yourself? God knows many budding writers want to be like you. What’s more, the critics adore your narrative style.
MAN
Okay, you’re right. I’m just a bit nervous. What was I saying? Ah, I have it now. I thought the muse of creativity would stir in my soul. Unfortunately, for me, it took years and years of reading and writing, but when you came along, my mind was freed from its restraint jacket.
WOMAN
I appreciate your acknowledgement. I’m flattered, but I’m not the one who wrote your novels.
MAN
Because …show more content…
Isn’t every writer plagued with uncertainty as to whether they can create something worthwhile…something that will be a testament to their literary genius?
MAN
I suppose, but I fear it will lead to my demise. I fear the day when the public hates my work. So far, I have placated them. I’ve given them what they want to read.
WOMAN
Don’t talk such rubbish. Your novel is bound to make an impression on the critics not to mention your readers as it has done with me.
MAN
How can you say that? Have you read the entire book?
WOMAN
Well no…only two chapters…what I read I find it intriguing.
MAN
In what way?
WOMAN
Well, I like the part about Greek myths about the judgement of the dead.
MAN
Do you believe that when we die, we’ll be judged?
WOMAN
I don’t know but if we are judged, it will be by God.
MAN
How do you define God?
WOMAN
Look, we do not have the time to discuss such philosophical points. Besides, our guests will be here in an hour’s time, so be a good husband and get ready.
MAN
How do you know I’ll be good? How do you know I won’t misbehave?
WOMAN
Are you afraid you will become mad like your father?
MAN
Of course, I am. I’m about the same age when he became unhinged. …show more content…
We live in a supposedly enlightened time…the twentieth century…haven’t you notice the change, or are you too busy praying in front of a statue of Christ. Besides, if the saviour were alive today in 1968, he would be protesting this damn war. I wouldn’t be surprised if He advocated violence.
WOMAN
How dare you disrespect my faith!
SON
How dare you disrespect my right to decide!
WOMAN
Go to Europe! Take comfort in that your cowardice has tainted our family with shame. Before you leave, I want you to tell your father. Perhaps, he’ll…
SON
Talk me in to doing what you consider right. I am afraid my mind is resolute. I shan’t be going to fight in a war I don’t believe to be just and fair.
WOMAN
All right, if you wish to be a coward, then so be it. But can you at least stay for the party. Your father needs you.
SON
Dad’s never needed anyone in his life.
WOMAN Not only are you stupid, but you’re also blind to other people’s faults.
SON
I apologise for being as you put it ‘stupid and blind’. Is there something the matter with you and Dad?
WOMAN
Not with me but with your father. He’s, he’s under a great deal of pressure…most of it is his own creation. Haven’t you noticed it before?