Complexity vs. Simplicity

Vivian’s student correctly identifies Vivian’s plight in life: She involves herself with complex mental challenges as a way to hide from the simplicity of life and truth. Vivian’s journey progresses and as her body experiences more and more pain and though she is still afraid, she becomes less and less willing to wrap herself in the impossible complex mazes of the mind.

Depersonalization and Connection

At Vivian’s first exam with Jason, he does a medical interview and concludes with “Well, that about does it for your life history,” Vivian replies “Yes, that’s all there is to my life history.” Vivian is aware how easily the medical profession can reduce a person strictly to their body parts. Later in the play, Susie summarizes the doctors’ philosophy: “Well they like to save lives. So anything’s okay, as long as life continues. It...