1a) Just from the first stage direction, we learn that Susan is probably dependent on her husband, as she is labelled as "a vicar's wife". This indicates that Susan is probably just a housewife, and may be lonely.
Susan is "thin and nervous", telling the reader that she is probably quite shy. This gives the impression that she is a quiet person, and the monologue may also be quiet.
Susan "probably smokes", suggesting that she may be depressed and unhappy with her life in general.
1b) Susans' use of language demonstrates that she is of a higher class, "so that would explain it". Her use of language is quite formal, suggesting that she is either a cold person, or of a higher class. She uses received pronunciation
1c) Bennett adds afterthoughts to make the monologue sound like a spontaneous speech, "It's my mother". This is an interrupted thought that makes the reader think that she is deep in thought.
1d) Susan is the narrator of her story, adding bits of knowledge that no other characters would know. "I could only find 10p" suggests that Susan was not particularly interested in the Sermon, as this was said in an off-handed way. It also suggests something about her private life, maybe her and Geoffrey haven't got a very good relationship.
1e) Susan feels as is her husband is parading her alcoholism for the whole parish. He is paying her attention now, but perhaps not the kind of attention she deserves. Geoffrey "brandishes it", referring to Susan's hand. Not one to miss an opportunity, he takes full advantage of her drinking problem. He uses it to pivot himself into the forefront of the Bishops mind, attempting to gain the promotion that he so desperately seeks.
1f) "The Communion wine. It's gone." This is one of the times that Bennett openly hints at Susan's drinking problem. This indicates that perhaps Geoffrey isn't as clueless as we previously thought. He may, in fact, already know about Susan's drinking problem.
No comments:
Post a Comment