Machinal Episodes Flashcards
What is the title of Episode 1?
To Business
How are the characters referred to in the play?
By their titles, such as Young Woman, Telephone Girl, Filing Clerk
What does the central character, Young Woman, feel about her life?
Estranged and trapped by the mechanical lifestyle
Who proposes marriage to the Young Woman?
Mr. Jones
What is the focus of Episode 2?
The relationship between Young Woman and her Mother
How does the Mother respond to questions about life and love?
Dismissively, stating it does not pay the bills
What does Young Woman fear about her future?
Becoming like her Mother
What is the emotional state of Young Woman during her wedding night?
Terrified and reduced to tears
What does the stage description say about Young Woman’s eyes?
‘Wide with a curious, helpless, animal terror’
What significant event occurs in Episode 4?
Young Woman gives birth to a baby girl
What is Young Woman’s reaction to having a daughter?
Sorrowful, fearing her daughter will be trapped in society
What psychological state is suggested for Young Woman in Episode 4?
Natal depression
What does Young Woman refuse to do by the end of Episode 4?
Submit to the life expected of her
What is the setting of Episode 5 titled ‘Prohibited’?
A speakeasy
What does Young Woman feel in the setting of Episode 5?
Banned from freedom
What significant event occurs when Young Woman is in the speakeasy?
She meets the man she will have an affair with
What is the main theme of Episode 6?
The theme revolves around the feelings of freedom and the impact of patriarchal structures.
What phrase does Young Woman read from the paper in Episode 7?
‘All men are born free and entitled to the pursuit of happiness’
This statement highlights the exclusion of women and the societal norms of the time.
In Episode 7, what does Young Woman cry out in terror?
She cries out ‘stones, head stones’.
What crime is Young Woman accused of in Episode 8?
Murdering her husband, Mr. Jones.
What evidence does the prosecution present in Episode 8?
A letter from her lover and a lily from her apartment.
What is Young Woman’s reason for killing her husband?
‘To be free.’
What question does the judge ask Young Woman regarding her desire to be free?
‘If you just wanted to be free - why didn’t you divorce him?’
What is Young Woman’s response to the judge’s question about divorce?
‘Oh I couldn’t do that!! I couldn’t hurt him like that!’
