George and Martha: "The Gift"

Here, Martha is rushing along too fast, and she drops her gift for George's birthday (a book). The book slides out of a picnic basket, and Martha doesn't notice.

Later, struggling for a quick replacement, Martha hands George a wacky self-portrait, one from a photo booth. She expects George will swoon (she doesn’t recognize how goofy and distorted the photo is, and instead feels blinded by her own beauty).

George doesn’t swoon; he (appropriately) chuckles. He knows that this is an absurd photo.

Martha gasps; she feels startled by George’s reaction; she begins to see the truth in George’s response; she, too, laughs at the photo. Which is something a friend can do for a friend: George can teach Martha to laugh at herself.

“The Gift”—the title—seems to refer to Martha’s gift to George, but it also refers to George’s gift to Martha. George gives Martha a chance for self-mockery, self-deprecation (always an appealing trait). Self-mockery is something that keeps us all buoyant and gracious and sane.

If you’re looking for other “double meanings,” you might also look back at “The Tightrope.” The title refers to the literal rope Martha is walking on, but I think it also refers to George’s tightrope: the balancing act that is social discourse. Use excessive flattery, and you might upset the person you’re talking to. Say too little, and you might upset the person in another way. This is a “tightrope,” as well.

I promise, soon, we’ll look at “The Fibber” (another title with at least two meanings). And then “The Stupids” await us…..

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