Literature

by Arthur Pierre

Genre: Drama
Setting:
Format of Original Source: Play
Recommended Adaptation Length:

Candidate for Adaptation? Not Reviewed

EXCERPT:

GIL. What were we talking about just now?

CLEM. Perhaps I can assist your memory. In Munich, if I recall correctly, you always talked about your books.

GIL. Quite so. As a matter of fact, I was speaking about my new novel.

CLEM. Pray, continue. Nowadays, I find that I, too, can talk literature. Eh, Margaret? Is it naturalistic? Symbolic? Autobiographical? Or–let me see–is it distilled?

GIL. Oh, in a certain sense we all write about our life-experiences.

CLEM. H’m. That’s good to know.

GIL. Yes, if you’re painting the character of Nero, in my opinion it’s absolutely necessary that you should have set fire to Rome–

CLEM. Naturally.

GIL. From what source should a writer derive his inspiration if not from himself? Where should he go for his models if not to the life which is nearest to him? [Margaret becomes more and more uneasy.]

CLEM. Isn’t it a pity, though, that the models are so rarely consulted? But I must say, if I were a woman, I’d think twice before I’d let such people know anything–[Sharply.] In decent society, sir, that’s the same as compromising a woman!

GIL. I don’t know whether I belong to decent society or not, but, in my humble opinion, it’s the same as ennobling a woman.

CLEM. Indeed.

GIL. The essential thing is, does it really hit the mark! In a higher sense, what does it matter if the public does know that a woman was happy in this bed or that?

CLEM. Mr. Gilbert, allow me to remind you that you are speaking in the presence of a lady.

GIL. I’m speaking in the presence of a comrade, Baron, who, perhaps, shares my views in these matters.

CLEM. Oh!

MARG. Clement! [Throws herself at his feet.] Clement.

CLEM. [staggered]. But–Margaret.

MARG. Your forgiveness, Clement!

CLEM. But, Margaret. [To Gilbert.] It’s very painful to me, Mr. Gilbert. Now, get up, Margaret.

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