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
Slade uses the following terms to describe George: "agitated, he moves quickly, he grabs a bottle"(240) or "anguished" (242). Doris's energy output at this point is lower, she acts as a spectator to George's anxiety driven performance. George displays high velocity action and Doris shows the opposite. The adjectives and the expressions connected with George connote heat and by extension high energy output. George's thoughts and actions move frantically without any order or consistency and Doris emanates steadiness and tranquility. George's suggestion of leaving the children behind and running away with each other leaves her astonished. The description of George at the beginning of Scene 2, "wearing a charcoal suit, his insecurities flashing through, " along with references to "mercurial moods" (257), connotes thermal output, in a broader sense, energy. However, his previously frantic energy level is decreased as he is more subdued and controlled. Doris also functions at a similar energy level. The energy equilibrium, however, is upset by a phone call from George's daughter Debbie. George's expression drastically changes, he assumes a tense position, and becomes overwhelmed with guilt. Doris responds with equanimity and continues her business as usual attitude toward her lover's personal crisis. Furthermore, as a result of his guilty pangs and as another reference to heat, George suffers indigestion, or heartburn. Dons' energy level also changes as she throws a hairbrush at George and explodes at him as the scene concludes with a passionate embrace. At the beginning of Scene 3, once again it is George described by such terms as "angry, exasperated, incredulous, frustrated." who radiates more energy. His energy level, however, masks deep frustration over his impotence and indicates his. disappointment concerning Doris' prognancy. The scenario or the set up is familiar, George radiates more energy, Doris is more subdued and this does not change even at the conclusion, when George helps Doris to deliver her baby. However, at the end of the scene George becomes more controlled and his frantic action gives way to steadiness partly inspired by Doris' tranquility. Summing up the energy map of Act One it can be concluded that while energy dissipation can be discerned, the state of inertia cannot be detected. As in any closed system external information can have a negentropic effect, and the former plays a significant role in all three 65
