The relationship between Septimus and Thomasina is a sexual undercurrent, which runs throughout the play, although it always remains unfulfilled. Thomasina’s response about the sin of Onan shows her knowledge of the bible but also shows that she has only a partial understanding of what Septimus means. This also contributes to humour as her innocence makes her ask questions, which gives Septimus a cue make further jokes.
Thomasina: ‘That was the sin of Onan, wasn’t it, Septimus?’
Septimus: ‘Yes. He was given his brothers wife a Latin lesson and she was hardly the wiser after it than before’
Here we can see a witty joke based on sexual innuendo; this creates an amusing incident for the audience. Also visible is Septimus showing off his knowledge and education while talking about sex.
Some of Stoppard’s humour comes from the introduction of complex intellectual ideas; such as Fermat’s last theorem. The audience knows that this has never been solved so the humour derives from Thomasina’s belief that she at thirteen maybe able to proof the theory and that Septimus could show her how.
Thom: It is very difficult, Septimus.You will have to show me how.’
Septim: If I knew how there would be no need to ask you.’
Through these lines we recognize the vast intelligence of Thomasina as she has been set to solve a theorem that has ‘kept people busy for hundred and fifty years’.
Introduction of further characters occurs once Septimus has announced his intention to read Mr Chater’s poem. Both discuss Mr Chater, Mrs Chater, Jellaby and Mr Noakes; giving the impression of a complex network of household affairs which have given rise to gossip about Mrs Chater.
The audience maybe given some hints that Septimus is in fact the person engaged in ‘carnal embrace’ with Mrs Chater.Septimus shows a clear interest in the topic. For instance when Thomasina asks Septimus what he means by ‘Mr Chater being engaged in closing the stable door’, he just ignores Thomasina and continues questioning her.
Through Septimus’s interest in what Thomasina knows, Tom Stoppard conveys farcical humour. This sort of humour can be seen when Thomasina and Septimus list all the people who know about the act of carnal embrace.
Next Thomasina uses her intelligence to work out that Septimus’s original definition of carnal embrace is wrong as Mrs Chater would not have been embracing a piece of meat in the gazebo, and the whole household would not be gossiping about it if she had. Septimus has a moment of truthfulness when he admits that carnal embrace is ‘kissing’ and ‘throwing one’s arms around Mrs Chater’.Then he tries to change the subject back to mathematics. This gives the audience further clues that Septimus may have been with Mrs Chater.
She realises Septimus has been teasing her and tells him off for not telling the truth.
Thomasina: ‘I hope you are ashamed’
For a moment Septimus becomes worried that Thomasina knows of his participation in the event but really she is upset at Septimus for not teaching her the ‘ true meaning of things’.
The relieved Septimus tells Thomasina the full definition of carnal embrace.
Ah.Yes, I am ashamed Carnal embrace is sexual congress, which is the insertion of male genital organ into the female genital organ for the purpose of procreation and pleasure. Fermat’s last theorem by contrast…’
Thomasina: ‘Eurghh!’
Septimus: ‘Nevertheless that is the theorem.’
As one can see the comic element continues in both the timing and banter of this dialogue.
Via the next few lines the audience get an indication of the sexual chemistry that will later develop between these two characters. Thomasina states carnal embrace ‘is disgusting and incomprehensible. Now when I am grown to practice it myself I shall never do so without thinking of you’.
These words from Thomasina foreshadow because there is an attraction between Septimus and Thomasina.She wishes to lose her virginity with Septimus yet due to moral concern he refuses. She dies on the night she declares her feelings.
Before Jellaby enters Thomasina asks Septimus if sexual congress is the ‘same as love’. Septimus replies ‘Oh no, it is much nicer than that’. This reply is amusing for the audience and is characteristic of Septimus. Here Septimus seems very cynical about love, as he implies that for him, sex is better. In fact, the audience gets the impression that he does not believe in love at all. However, at the end of the play when Septimus and Thomasina dance together, there is a romantic feel to their behaviour with each other and it seems that perhaps he does believe in love after all. This gives a more profound feel to the opening scene as we see that he is not as cynical as he appears to be.
The knowledge of sex and academic concern are in constant conflict in Arcadia. Love versus intellect is touched upon in the first pages of this play. Thomasina has two purposes in mind: discover the rules of life and love while also working out the rules of mathematics. We understand Thomasina is a bright girl because she has been set the task of working out Fermat’s last theorem. In this opening scene the chance to know about sex is too tempting for her to resist.
Thomasina: ‘Tell me more about sexual congress’. She is not at all interested in mathematics at the present time.
Throughout this section Septimus uses intellectual humour to avoid answering Thomasina’s questions. It is clear that he genuinely likes and respects her, and wants to keep the more sordid aspects of his own life secret from her.
Thomasina: ‘Is it a sin’ (carnal embrace)
In reply to this Septimus refers to history, uses Latin phrases and the bibleThese references show us Septimus’s academic knowledge.
The opening of Arcadia sets the tone for the rest of the play. The fast pace and intelligent use of language persists all the way through the play. Stoppards diverse ways of creating humour keeps the audience focused on the play. Humour comes across when characters intercept one another, with witty jokes and ridiculing of characters through dramatic irony.