For this commentary I have specifically chosen these lines because, in my opinion, this is the turning point of the play after which the play unfolds. There are a lot of facts that come out during this point in the play which help us put it in context. This part of the scene tells us about the historical/political context of the play by talking about the newly introduced democratic government and it also, through the conversation between Gerardo and Miranda, portrays the peculiar way in which Dr. Miranda speaks.
The scene starts off with the description of the stage which is very important for this scene because it tells us that someone is knocking at the door and in doing so creates dramatic irony because we know that it is Dr. Miranda, a harmless person, while the characters are not sure about the person outside their house. On opening the door Gerardo finds out that it is Dr. Miranda and they have this conversation:
Gerardo: Oh, It’s you. God you scared the shit out of me.
Roberto: I’m really sorry for this – intrusion. I thought you’d still be up celebrating
Gerardo: You must excuse my... – do come in.
Roberto enters the house
Gerardo: It’s just that we still haven’t got used to it.
Roberto: Used to it?
Gerardo: To Democracy. That someone knocks on your door at midnight and it’s a friend and not… -
This conversation between the two men is important for the setting of the play because it shows that at that there was a lot of fear in the country and a lot of distrust before this point. This is also highlighted when Robert says “intrusion” instead of “visit”. This part of the scene gives us a direct proof of the fact that the country is one which has just turned into a democratic government and that people are still adapting to the new form of governance which is very different from a military rule. Physical coercion is one of the main characteristics of a military rule while a democracy is defined by its freedom of expression and thought.
Right after the conversation we can see that Paulina is slightly inquisitive or even slightly precautious because she moves closer to the men. “Paulina edges out onto the terrace from where she will be able to hear the men but not see or be seen by them.” This is an important move in the play because this is the moment Paulina recognizes the voice of the person who had tortured her when she was held hostage during the military regime.
The coercion shown by the old regime is symbolized by doctor Miranda while Paulina symbolizes the meek and timid people who have been traumatized but now have a voice in the new democratic system. They want justice; it’s in them to get their revenge from those who have ruined their lives. This they can now do by using the newly formed law system which is represented by Gerardo.
The other symbols used in this are.
