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

III. The analysis of this drama rested on three pillars. The application of the second law of thermodynamics, or the concept of entropy to the relationship, the examination of the mental image concerning the other partner held by George and Doris, and the investigation of the role of confession in the play. The application of the entropy formula offers a partial explanation. Whereas George and Doris' marriage and adulterous relationship take place is a temporally and spatially closed system, entropy only affects their respective marriages. The shared relationship functions as a virtual continuation of the marriage and the separately experienced crises provide the necessary negentropic effect. As it has been shown the primary reason for the duration and success of the affair is that both participants seek the equivalent of their spouses in the other. George and Doris undergo personal crises and the spouses' reaction is unsatisfactory for them, but they realize that they cannot escape the boundaries of the marriage. In fact their relationship is the projection or extension of the respective marriages. Throughout the drama the concept of confession is not used in a religious sensé. Despite several religious references the drama does not examine that issue from a religious point of view. The confessions offered in the play include a realization of one's secret side, a communication of hidden desires, an indirect or direct assertion of one's identity, and an establishment of personal obligation. Finally, one more issue has to be discussed. Do George and Doris really commit adultery? In a literal sense they both engage in a sexual and emotional relationship outside the boundaries of the marriage. However, they are driven by a desire to find the equivalent of their spouses in the other and consequently, a subconscious desire at improving their marriage can be discerned. The relationship between George and Doris expands the narrow boundaries of the marriage, but does not destroy it and the emotional climax of the play, George's indirect confession, helps Doris' marriage. Bertalanffy's definition of an open system, described as one digesting influences from without while experiencing interaction among its various levels can be helpful in this case. The digestions of influences from without indeed prevent George and Doris' relationship from slowing down or reaching the 72