The Cover of Life
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Where does the scene take place?
Sterlington, Louisiana
Deserted railroad track near his mothers house, where Ive been living while he was at war.
Who is in the scene?
Me (Tood) and my Husband Tommy
What do I as a character know about the other characters in the scene?
He is the youngest of four sons, he feels as if hes not man enough for/compared to his brothers.
What are my relationships with them emotionally?
Im in love with him, we are married, and Im pregnant with his child.
Im losing faith in his commitment to me rather than to his brothers.
What do the other characters say about me?
Ive changed while he was away at war, become more serious, caring more about what I want than just about making him happy.
Given what the script tells me, is it true?
Very much so, except that where he feels I have just developed being more serious, Ive always felt like that, I just never really voiced it.
What do I as a character know about myself that is relevant to the scene as I enter?
Im pregnant, I know that the money Ive been saving is gone, my sister-in-law, Sybil, and father-in-law, Tom, have both just recently died. Sybil committed suicide because Johnny (Tommys older brother) left her because shes barren.
What does my character literally do during the scene?
I admit that I know he took the money, I beg him to fight for us, and Im putting my foot down.
What do other characters do to me?
He tries to talk me down by rationality
How do they treat me?
Like I am completely overreacting.
What does the scene tell me about who my character is that is vital for the scene to work?
Im pregnant, not incredibly educated (finished the 10th grade) bad grammar etc., young but aging more and more everyday from the responsibility placed on me, Very strong, hard worker.
What literally happens to my character in the scene?
My heart is broken.
Why is my character in this particular scene?
Im talking to my husband while hes on leave from the navy before he goes back
What would be missing if I werent in it?
The scene wouldnt exist. It is the crux of the Tommy & Tood plotline, brings it all to a close. It also ends the majority of the play.