Az Eszterházy Károly Tanárképző Főiskola Tudományos Közleményei. 2001. [Vol. 7.] Eger Journal of American Studies.(Acta Academiae Paedagogicae Agriensis : Nova series ; Tom. 27)
Studies - András Tarnóc: Entropy and Ecstasy: The Dynamics of Human Relationship in Bernard Slade's Same Time Next Year
out that the latter "used to be crazy —and insecure and dumb and a terrible liar and —human " (290. It can be argued that this is the subconscious personality pattern or model she seeks in George, whose physical awkwardness, constant self-doubt and soul-searching form a parallel with Harry. *** The third issue to be explored is the role of confession in the drama. The relationship between George and Doris is based on or motivated by several confessions and it is also noteworthy, that George does most of the confessing and Doris reacts. The reader witnesses numerous personal crises alleviated by confessions. The latter can be seen as a reaction to a crisis and by involving another person in one's drama the closed system is forced open and at the same time a moral obligation is foisted upon the listener or receiver. The roles of the confessor and "minister" shift throughout the play. It is remarkable, that while Doris is a Catholic and emphasizes the need for confession, it is George, a Protestant, who confesses the most. George's first confession concerns his views on sexuality and marriage. His admission of his desire to enliven his marriage, or the "old book" by another relationship is motivated by guilt. One the one hand George wants to relieve his conscience, but also, one could apply Foucault's assertion that sexuality does not exist, only when it is confessed (http://cgi.student.nada.kth.se/cgi.-bin/d95-aeh/get/foucaulteng.). Thus it can be argued that by confessing his view on sexuality and marriage his identity is established as well and consequently, he asserts himself as a man: "When it comes to life I have a brown thumb. I mean nothing goes right. Ever" (243). This quote reveals George's deep internal insecurities, and establishes a frame of mind, or an intention to make sure that everything in the future will indeed go right and thus the relationship with Doris appears to be his greatest success. George's confessions can be grouped into three categories reflecting the roles society expects from a male: man, husband, and father-provider. Three of George's confessions are related to the fatherhood role. The first one concerns the admission of having three children instead of two, 69
