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"Do I dare to buy some Tampax? But how should I presume?" The scene takes place in a grocery store. There is a "certain half-deserted" aisle containing various toiletries on the back wall of the stage. As the lights come up, we notice a rather distressed, staunchly-dressed man,s taring up at the "Feminine Products" section. A man wanders nonchalantly up the aisle and stops to look at Prufrock. Meursault: What are you looking for? Prufrock: I don't know...I...um...I... Meursault: What are you doing in the PMS section? Prufrock: I don't know what to say...I..., um...I... Meursault: Stop babbling... are you here to buy tampons? Prufrock: (knowing there is no way out of the situation, he mumbles) Yes. Meursault: Well, what's the problem then? Just buy these. Meursault picks up a random box and turns to leave. Prufrock: I just don't know. Which do you think would be most comfortable? Meursault: Why should I care? It's just her body. Her body is meant for your pleasure anyway. Prufrock looks down at his shoes and mumbles something rather incoherently. Meursault: What did you say? Speak up...choose your words and speak. Prufrock: (mumbles) I want to start a relationship with this woman...I...want her to love me. Meursault: What is love? Prufrock stares, dumbfounded. Meursault: I don't think that word has any meaning. Even so, what have tampons to do with love? Prufrock: Well, how should I presume? Meursault: Just make a choice...what difference does it make to you? The deaths of others, a woman's love, the right brand of Tampax? She's going to die somehow; what's the difference if she dies of toxic shock syndrome or of an STD? Either way, she's still going to die. So, just make a choice, go to her, and enjoy the pleasure of her body. Prufrock: But how should I presume? And how should I begin to choose? Meursault: I don't care to say. (cont'd on page 49) |
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