Oleanna Q1

1. Consider John and Caril's first interaction (not the entire interaction, but up to the point at which Carol mentions her background in relation to her performance in the professor's class). What do you think is established in this interaction? Who and what do the characters reveal themselves to be? In such revealing, then, do you identify any miscommunication, non-communication, or a simple lack of communication? (In your discussion, consider particularly the "term of art" (701) exchange, the way in which John tells Carol she's failing his class, and/or Carol's offerings with regard to her performance (the language John uses, her socio-economic background, etc.) John uses her socio-economic background, etc.)

The relationship between John and Carol is pretty clear from their first interaction in the play. I first noticed John's character to be some what arrogant and overbearing from the phone conversation with his wife about their house. He was constantly cutting off his wife's sentences and trying to be dominate. After John got off the phone with his wife, he then shows again what kind of man he is when conversing with Carol. From my point of view, Carol seems like the perfect victim for John. In that I mean she only empowers his ego because he views her as insure. John acts officiously aggressive towards her and playing on the fact that he is confusing her. The more he confuses her, in his lectures or in conversation, the more she needs his help. Especially in their first scene together when Carol asks about the term "term of art."" JOHN: (Pause) No. I’m sorry. No. You’re right. I’m very sorry. I’m somewhat rushed. As you see. I’m sorry. You’re right. (Pause) What is a “term of art”? It seems to mean a term, which has come, through its use, to mean something more specific than the words would, to someone not acquainted with them … indicate. That, I believe, is what a “term of art,” would mean. (Pause)
CAROL: You don’t know what it means…?
JOHN: I’m not sure that I know what it means. It’s one of those things, perhaps you’ve had them, that, you look them up, or have someone explain them to you, and you say “aha,” and, you immediately forget what…"
This is a perfect example of what sort of character John is. He seems to act like he knows everything and if he does not then he makes something up. He makes an excuse for not knowing or that he does not remember what "term of art" means. I do not think there is a lack of communication, a miscommunication, or non-communication, I believe that John is confused himself and so he tries to mask his confusion by making others confused. When Carol is asking for John's help with his class, he gives her the run-around. He says he is too busy to help her because he has to leave in 15 minutes or so. But when they begin discussing her work, he pays into her insecurity and tells her that she is an incredibly bright girl and that she has no problem with...(class?). Carol then tells him that she has done everything that he has asked of her in the classroom but she is still does not understand and blames it on the fact that she has a different social and economic background and she doesn't understand his language in his book or lectures. She is extremely desperate to pass his class. This is where I think the misunderstanding is. But I still cannot figure out who is playing who. Carol seems desperate to pass his class and this can be seen as she will do anything to do it; this could mean sexual. Then you have John, who is seems to be making it difficult on Carol to pass the class and sees the desperation in Carol. This in turn could mean that he would be willing to take it to a sexual level and he will give he a passing grade.
CAROL: I don’t … lots of the language…
"JOHN: …please…
CAROL: The language, the “things” that you say…
JOHN: I’m sorry. No. I don’t think that that’s true.
CAROL: It is true. I…
JOHN: I think…
CAROL: It is true.
JOHN: …I…
CAROL: Why would I…?
JOHN: I’ll tell you why: you’re an incredibly bright girl.
CAROL: …I…
JOHN: You’re an incredibly … you have no problem with the … Who’s kidding who?
CAROL: …I…
JOHN: No. No. I’ll tell you why. I’ll tell … I think you’re angry, I…
CAROL: …why would I…
JOHN: …wait one moment. I…
CAROL: It is true. I have problems…
JOHN: …every…
CAROL: …I come from a different social…
JOHN: …ev….
CAROL: a different economic…
JOHN: …Look:
CAROL: No. I: when I came to this school:
JOHN: Yes. Quite… (Pause)
CAROL: …does that mean nothing…?"