Scene Four: The Lecture Hall Flashcards
LLOYD. ‘Feminism.’
But sir, I believe Charcot says hysteria is caused by specific biological weaknesses, not by a woman’s lack of moral judgement at all. That it’s hereditary.
DR MAUDSLEY. Indeed he does. Did I invite you to stand, miss?
Moffat, sir.
DR MAUDSLEY. I wasn’t asking your name. I’m not interested in your name. Are you contradicting me in my own lecture?
No–
DR MAUDSLEY. Are you an expert?
No, / sir
DR MAUDSLEY. Miss, why are you here? This is a lecture hall, not a laundry.
Sir!
DR MAUDSLEY. Gentlemen hysteria results from a state of emotional agitation observed in the female–
But there is no evidence that / women alone are susceptible to hysteria
DR MAUDSLEY (indicating TESS). A woman becomes agitated as she relinquishes control of her emotions.
I’m not agitated because I am a woman! I am agitated because you won’t consider an alternative
DR MAUDSLEY. The male organisation is one and the female quite another? You seem to think it’s merely an affair of clothes.
That’s not what I’m saying!
DR MAUDSLEY (raising his voice startlingly). Do not contradict me, miss! All you have demonstrated is that your sex has no capacity to control your emotional functions. (Pause.) Get out.
What?
CELIA. Are you alright?
I’ve never been spoken to like that. Never. They can’t just go on as if we’re not here
CAROLYN. We are here. They ought to get used to it.
Will!
LLOYD. Oh. Cos she seems to know you rather well.
WILL. I never…
You’re here. Why weren’t you in the lecture
WILL. Blimey, Tess! You spoke out? What on earth were you thinking?
Will, please! We were told to ask questions! You could at least.
