Say the Right Thing

II Answer the following questions.

1. What does Mary’s comment about Mr. Best’s routine and profession reveal about her viewpoint on bankers and their way of life?

Ans. Mary’s comments reveal her very simplistic and critical viewpoint. She sees Mr. Best’s routine of commuting and reading newspapers as a miserable, illogical existence (“What kind of life is that? Why do people do things like that? They do not know how to live.”). Furthermore, “bankers can’t think,” showing a narrow understanding of people’s lives and occupations.

2. What can we infer about Mary’s understanding of polite conversation based on her interactions with the guests?

Ans. We can infer that Mary has a very superficial and literal understanding of polite conversation. She tries to follow her mother’s instructions, but she lacks the empathy, discretion, and social awareness to apply them appropriately. She speaks her mind without considering the feelings to say the right thing.

3. What do you think the repeated stage direction ‘no one speaks’ indicates about the atmosphere in the room when Mary speaks?

Ans. The repeated stage direction ‘no one speaks’ indicates an atmosphere of extreme awkwardness, discomfort, and shock. It shows that Mary’s comments are so inappropriate or embarrassing that they cause the conversation to a halt. It highlights the tension and the guests’ increasing discomfort.

4. How does Mary’s attitude towards the guests change throughout the play?

Ans. Mary’s attitude towards the guests doesn’t necessarily change in terms of malice; she seems to genuinely believe she’s being helpful or conversational. However, her initial eagerness to participate and show she “can talk very well” gradually gives way to moments of realization (like “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know!”) after she offends them.

5. What do Mrs. Harding’s and Mrs. Lee’s responses to Mary’s blunders during their visit reveal about their characters?

Ans. Mrs. Harding’s and Mrs. Lee’s responses reveal their politeness, patience, and increasing discomfort. They mostly react with quiet surprise (“Oh!”) or direct, but still restrained, corrections (“I have no children; believe me.”)

6. In what way does the play show the importance of knowing how to engage in polite conversation?

Ans. The play dramatically highlights the importance of knowing how to engage in polite conversation by showcasing the negative consequences when one lacks this skill. Mary’s blunders lead to discomfort, embarrassment, and ultimately, the premature departure of the guests, despite her mother’s best efforts. It requires empathy, discretion, active listening, and an understanding.

The play serves as a humorous tale about the pitfalls of speaking without thinking.