2015-05-26
585
Interior of a flat: Bedroom. Night. Gerald is sitting in bed, reading a novel. He has half-moon glasses on and has a cardigan on over his pajamas. Clara comes in, trying to seem casual, then sits down on the piano stool at the end of the bed. He does not look up.
Gerald: Well?
Clara: I think we should divorce.
Gerald: Oh yes? (Without looking up from his book.) Why?
Clara: It's obvious, isn't it? Neither of us can live in this atmosphere.
Gerald: Really? We always have. (He is apparently mild-mannered. But as soon as Clara speaks, he interrupts.)
Clara: Look...
Gerald: Oh, yes, I can see it would suit you. I'm an embarrassment. I'm getting old. I've seen you do it to everyone since you were a girl. If they don't shape up, kick 'em out.
Clara: That's not fair.
Gerald: (Suddenly quiet.) I'll fight you for Simon. Oh, yes. In public. In the courts. In the papers. I've got nothing to lose. But you have. I'llget him.
Clara: You wouldn't.
Gerald: I'll say what sort of mother you were. You didn't come home when he was in hospital. (He looks at her) Well, did you? It doesn't look good.
Clara: (Suddenly violent.) What do you want?
Gerald: Very little. (He goes back to his book, with a little smile.) If you've got a man, I would like to know.
Вопросы
1. What is the relationship between Clara and Gerald? 2. Who is Simon? 3. What does Gerald threaten to do if Clara insists on a divorce? 4. Why do you think Gerald has 'nothing to lose' if the case becomes public, while Clara does have something to lose? 5. What evidence would Gerald use against Clara in an attempt to get custody of their son?
