Overtones

          The rule pertaining to when or who can hear Hetty and Maggie in this play seems to be pretty straightforward. Throughout the play Hetty and Maggie both address their more cultured counterparts. When each one specifically addresses their counterpart only can that character hear them. They also directly address each other and when this occurs, only can they hear each other. Even though they directly address each other they never make it totally clear that they hear what the other is saying. There are only a couple instances in the play that the “shadows” we can call them actually vocally acknowledge what the other is saying. When Margaret states that she has been to Turkey to Harriet, Hetty openly accuses her of lying and in turn Maggie admits that it is a lie. It’s never made clear that this confession is acknowledged by Hetty or Harriet. There is a subtle hint that Harriet becomes aware that this is a lie and asks Margaret about Turkey. Of course Maggie tells Margaret to change the subject in fear of the truth being revealed and Margaret does so. There are many instances similar to this throughout the play that whether or not what Hetty and Maggie say to each other actually register with the other.

          It may become very frustrating for an audience to keep up with the dialogue of this play. They would have a hard time understanding who is addressing who if it is not executed well by the actors. Eye contact and body language would be necessary tools to portray whom each “shadow” is addressing. It would be quite confusing if Hetty was addressing Maggie but looking at Harriet. You could easily have the character playing the “shadows” lean in towards their counterparts when they are speaking to them to clarify.