Context of the Scene
The scene is more of a situation in which Terry faces his conscience. Terry has mixed feelings about doing the right thing because of a past attachment to Johnny Friendly. Furthermore, he feels that telling Edie the truth might affect the social connection that they have established as he cares for her deeply.
Textual Details
Based on the script it is evident that the location of the conversation is somewhere private. The choices of words by Father Barry need to be observed carefully as they seem to send a specific message across. In certain statements, tone variation is required to provide an impact of the message being passed. Additionally, both characters use a form of symbolism and examples of experiences to try to paint a clear picture of what they are saying.
Aspects that are Open clues to Potential Performance
One aspect is the difficulty that Terry is experiencing in trying to open up to Edie. He indicates that conscience can drive a person crazy. Issues of personal responsibility are described. Whatever action Terry decides to take, consequences are expected such as the worth of his life valueless or betraying his soul.
Is the Scene Emblematic?
The scene is historical in the sense that the character, Terry has never cared for a person the way he cares for Edie. This contributes heavily to the conflict in Terry’s conscience and makes him think seriously on the next course of action.
Main action of the Scene
The main action of the scene is persuasion. This can be clearly illustrated from the statements Father Barry uses, which are posed in form of questions. Further, Father Barry also challenges Terry to do the right thing and forget about past events, which he uses as reasons for hesitating to do the right thing. The main event is being responsible. People should be willing to do the right thing no matter the consequences.
Is the scene primarily active or reactive?
The scene is reactive. Terry is made aware of the idea that a brother is not only related by blood. Other people in the society are brothers and their interests need to be taken care of. Furthermore, Terry is made aware of the fact that Edie also wants to talk with the Father and it would be better if Terry told Edie the whole situation instead of Father Barry.
Is there any activity that forms a Physical context for the main action?
Telling Edie about the commission will ultimately affect the outcome of the events that will follow this scene. Further, it will influence what happens to Johnny Friendly, as he is the character whose actions have led to this scene.
Point of resolution
The scene reaches a point of resolution. This happens when Father Barry tells Terry that Edie had contacted him and was coming over later for a conversation. This makes Terry to seem to agree with what the Father was trying to tell him. Terry decides finally to tell Edie everything instead of the Father doing it for him.
Work Cited
On the Waterfront. Dir. Elia Kazan, Malcolm Johnson. Columbia Pictures Corporation. 1954.
Film.
