Maggie - AN EXCERPT
Following is one scene from Lyle C. May's four Act play titled Maggie. The play is set in the early 1900s with the heroine, a young mulatto woman named Maggie who has come to New York in search of the opportunity to find take advantage of the education and training she has received. When this scene opens, we find Maggie struggling to cope with the inequities of serving time in the Western House of Refuge in Albion for a crime she did not commit. An intelligent and compassionate woman, Maggie is seen as a leader by the other young woman she is serving with and refuses to back down in the face of injustice.
Act III Scene iii
First floor of the cottage: kitchen-dining room area. To the right is the dining area with four roundtables, a fireplace beneath a large portrait of a severe woman in profile, and a window with curtains. To the left is a spacious kitchen with a large cast iron stove, a long counter beneath a row of cabinets lining the left wall, and an island in the center with a rack of pots and pans hanging from above. Dividing the two rooms is a wall with an archway.
[Five young women bustle about the kitchen preparing a meal and table settings]
Amy: (sitting on a stool at the island, head resting on her hand, a far away look on her face) Did ya ever wonder what it’s like to be the president?
Amanda: (putting wood in the stove) We need more wood and I am not cutting it. I handled that beast the last two times so it’s somebody else’s turn.
Caroline: Where’s that bitch Clarissa? (removing cups from the cabinet and slamming the doors closed) It’s just like her to skip out on preparing supper.
Jessica: Jeez! Easy on the cabinets, Caroline. Ms. Arnold is probably scraping Clarissa’s lips from her bony butt, or helping the hag write her creepy sermons. Who cares? I’m glad she ain’t down here.
Amy: I said, did ya ever wonder what it would –
Caroline: Whatever. It does not mean I have to put up with the filthy little leech’s ducking and dodging chores. All that ass-kissing ain’t gonna get her a better job on parole. If she paroles. Besides, cooking and cleaning is the same no matter where you do it.
Maggie: (shucking corn) Not necessarily. My mother’s friend worked in some ordinary homes and others that resembled mansions. They all agree that the more a man has the less likely he is to look after it; the less he has the more he looks after it and you. Getting felt up for silverware by my employer – rich or not—is not my idea of gainful employment. Give me a typewriter in an office or even a classroom, anything other than manual labor for the rest of my life.
Amy: When I am president I’m gonna abolish maids and make men serve me.
Caroline: Amy, if Ms. Arnold catches you idle and talking nonsense again she gonna abolish your behind to Bedford Hills! (puts cups and saucers on a tray and carries them to the dining room) Now come help me set the tables.
Jessica: Your momma and them are negros Maggie. I’ve been up and down the northeast with the circus, working big and small venues, and never got searched for anything.
Amanda: Don’t go telling lies Jessica Munroe. The men searched you plenty – except they were looking for that thing their wives wouldn’t give them (laughs)
[several of the girls snicker]
Amy: What’s nonsense about wanting to be in charge? There’s no law against a woman being president – just nobody willing to try. I would. I will! (trails Caroline into the dining room with table clothes and begins laying them out)
Caroline: (arranging cups after Amy) Listen to yourself! We can’t even vote or be paid a decent wage – what the hell makes you think men will let women hold public office?
Amy: (wrinkles her nose and says over her shoulder) Is that true Maggie? We can’t vote?
Maggie: (rolls her eyes) Yeah, but I think that will change before too long. Women like Josephine Shaw Lowell and Susan B. Anthony are working on that and more. They are trying to get us the right to vote, a fair wage, and property ownership rights among other things.
Jessica: Listen to the scholar! (mimics and exaggerates Maggie’s correct posture)
Maggie: (sighs) Despite Ms. Lowell’s benevolence regarding women, her hand in the creation of this place is a bit misguided. We are taught service jobs and how to act like high society ladies when this place was established by a member of the Women’s Suffrage Movement. I find it funny is all. (all the girls are looking at Maggie a little in awe)
Amy: (confused) Suffering isn’t funny.
Caroline: (shakes her head while looking at Amy) Good grief, girl!
Maggie: (walks into the dining room and puts an arm around Amy; Amanda, Jessica and Caroline draw near) ‘Funny’ as in ironic. If Ms. Lowell, Albion’s revered founder, is the feminist she is claimed to be, it means she believes in equality for women. Yet imprisoned as we are by the state we are forced to cook, clean and serve. Our education is limited to sewing and basic childcare. We learn little more that would put us on an even footing with the male workforce than proper etiquette and manners. (mocking) ‘Be a lady and clasp your hands behind your back. Chin up. Toes together, dear’.
Jessica: (playing along) ‘Curtsy before you leave the room, dear!’ (curtsies)
Amanda: (also mocking) ‘A man cannot abide a wife who speaks her mind and is contrary, dear’.
Caroline: (struggling to stay serious) We need to learn some of these things for when we have our own families.
Amy: Not knitting. I hate knitting. Or dying clothes. I bet the president doesn’t have to knit his own socks or wash them.
Amanda: Seriously, Mags. What is the Women’s Suffrage Movement?
Maggie: I heard talk at my old job with Mr. Eamon that it’s sort of a political organization for women – even though that’s kind of illegal. I guess they get away with it because the women who are members are all filthy rich. The bottom line is it’s about equality of the sexes. All that aside, even were it allowed, Amy, becoming president or getting elected to public office takes a lot of money and knowing the right people.
Amy: Who are the right people?
Caroline: The ones with money and who are into politics.
Amy: (frowning) Oh. I get it. (not getting it) Well, I better start saving money and getting to know the right people. Maybe when I get released it will be to a good family and they can help me take it political. And I can join this woman’s moving thingy too. Boy! Just think (stands on a chair) My fellow Americans, as your president there will be times when I must make new laws! Ones you won’t like!
Caroline: (sees Ms. Arnold) Shut up Amy! Get down from there!
Amy: (in a man’s voice) Madam President, what do you think we should do about the Spaniards and Cubans?
Ms. Arnold: (downstage away from the group of women) What should we do about them, Ms. Carthage? (the other women jump)
Amy: (throws a fist in the air) Invade Germany! Show the krauts who the boss is and let women rule the country! (turning toward the question) Release the animals from the (and sees Ms. Arnold) zoos . . .
Ms. Arnold: (hands folded, eyebrows arched) Is that so?
Amy: Ms. Arnold, I was just –
Ms. Arnold: (snaps) Save it! Get down from that chair. It is apparent you have not only failed to pay attention to your geography lessons, but now imagination and nonsense govern your reality where reason and decorum do not. Your absurdity, child, will soon find you in a padded cell. Come with me.
Amy: But I didn’t –
Ms. Arnold: I will not tell you again. None of you shall exercise childish fancies so long as I can prevent it. Come, you have chores to perform whilst I make some decisions. The rest of you back to work. (Amy slowly exits) If I hear any mention of the Women’s Suffrage Movement again I will give the offender (looks directly at Maggie) plenty of time to consider her error in a real prison. (Exits behind Amy, pushing her along)
Caroline: (beat) I keep telling that girl! She refuses to listen and now she’s summoned the devil. Amanda, how long before they come and take you to the city?
Amanda: Mr. Sacrum said late afternoon, early evening, why?
Caroline: I need to lose some steam so I’ll cut the wood if you finish the tables. (exits)
Amanda: (smiles) Deal. Maggie, you don’t think Ms. Arnold will really send Amy off do you? I know the girl is a bit off, but she’s harmless – a dreamer thrown into this mess cause her daddy can’t keep his hands to himself and her stepmother got jealous.
Maggie: There’s no knowing for certain. Ms. Arnold has sent away two girls in my fourteen months here. Both were normal compared to Amy, but they were defiant and that’s something the woman cannot stand. She has threatened both Caroline and I, but Amy is far from safe.
Jessica: She is such an evil bitch! I hate her!
Maggie: Easy there. We have to stay calm and do as we must to get by. Rebelling against Arnold might feel right, but it would be short-lived. She is an extension of the institution and has nearly as much authority as Ms. Roberts and twice the ambition. You can bet she is scheming for the director’s position, and if that happens we’re all in for a cell.
Jessica: She can do that?
Maggie: That and more. We are convicted criminals even if the offenses are minor and ridiculous. With no rights, we’re as good as dead next to Arnold’s whim.
Jessica: You can bet this whole stinking farm I ain’t going to no prison or asylum just because that bitch says so (Turns to leave).
Amanda: (lowering her voice) You can’t run, Jessy, it will make things worse!
Jessica: Only if I’m caught. I know some people in Buffalo who can help me get into Canada.
Maggie: And then what? You run for the rest of your life? An escapee is treated as a felon.
Jessica: So what?
Maggie: They can shoot to kill on sight assuming they don’t catch you off guard.
Amanda: (waves her hands, appalled) Look! Whatever Ms. Arnold decides to do with Amy, Ms. Roberts still has to agree.
Maggie: You’re right. We all have to make parole and get the hell away from here, and the easiest way to do that is by playing Arnold’s game while remembering the greater purpose is freedom. (looks directly at Jessica) Right, Jessy?
Jessica: (scowls, meets Maggie’s eyes, then nods) I guess so.
[A loud cry is heard off stage followed by the crack of a leather strap on flesh. This is repeated several times and interspersed with sobbing]
Maggie: (furious) That bitch is whipping Amy! I’ll kill her!
Jessica: (grabs ahold of Maggie) Calm down, Mags. Remember the greater purpose?
Amanda: She’s right Maggie. This is temporary. We’re not going to change Arnold, but we can save ourselves.
[Amy stumbles in and begins setting tables, her head down]
Maggie: (goes over to Amy) Are you going to be okay?
Amy: (tearfully) I’ve been beat worse by meaner people.
Jessica: Freedom sure seems a long way from here, eh Maggie? (looks longingly out the window)
Maggie: (angry) I know how to take care of the witch, you girls wait and see.
[scene ends]
Did you enjoy Maggie? If so, watch for the entire play to be available on Am,azon within the next several months.
Act III Scene iii
First floor of the cottage: kitchen-dining room area. To the right is the dining area with four roundtables, a fireplace beneath a large portrait of a severe woman in profile, and a window with curtains. To the left is a spacious kitchen with a large cast iron stove, a long counter beneath a row of cabinets lining the left wall, and an island in the center with a rack of pots and pans hanging from above. Dividing the two rooms is a wall with an archway.
[Five young women bustle about the kitchen preparing a meal and table settings]
Amy: (sitting on a stool at the island, head resting on her hand, a far away look on her face) Did ya ever wonder what it’s like to be the president?
Amanda: (putting wood in the stove) We need more wood and I am not cutting it. I handled that beast the last two times so it’s somebody else’s turn.
Caroline: Where’s that bitch Clarissa? (removing cups from the cabinet and slamming the doors closed) It’s just like her to skip out on preparing supper.
Jessica: Jeez! Easy on the cabinets, Caroline. Ms. Arnold is probably scraping Clarissa’s lips from her bony butt, or helping the hag write her creepy sermons. Who cares? I’m glad she ain’t down here.
Amy: I said, did ya ever wonder what it would –
Caroline: Whatever. It does not mean I have to put up with the filthy little leech’s ducking and dodging chores. All that ass-kissing ain’t gonna get her a better job on parole. If she paroles. Besides, cooking and cleaning is the same no matter where you do it.
Maggie: (shucking corn) Not necessarily. My mother’s friend worked in some ordinary homes and others that resembled mansions. They all agree that the more a man has the less likely he is to look after it; the less he has the more he looks after it and you. Getting felt up for silverware by my employer – rich or not—is not my idea of gainful employment. Give me a typewriter in an office or even a classroom, anything other than manual labor for the rest of my life.
Amy: When I am president I’m gonna abolish maids and make men serve me.
Caroline: Amy, if Ms. Arnold catches you idle and talking nonsense again she gonna abolish your behind to Bedford Hills! (puts cups and saucers on a tray and carries them to the dining room) Now come help me set the tables.
Jessica: Your momma and them are negros Maggie. I’ve been up and down the northeast with the circus, working big and small venues, and never got searched for anything.
Amanda: Don’t go telling lies Jessica Munroe. The men searched you plenty – except they were looking for that thing their wives wouldn’t give them (laughs)
[several of the girls snicker]
Amy: What’s nonsense about wanting to be in charge? There’s no law against a woman being president – just nobody willing to try. I would. I will! (trails Caroline into the dining room with table clothes and begins laying them out)
Caroline: (arranging cups after Amy) Listen to yourself! We can’t even vote or be paid a decent wage – what the hell makes you think men will let women hold public office?
Amy: (wrinkles her nose and says over her shoulder) Is that true Maggie? We can’t vote?
Maggie: (rolls her eyes) Yeah, but I think that will change before too long. Women like Josephine Shaw Lowell and Susan B. Anthony are working on that and more. They are trying to get us the right to vote, a fair wage, and property ownership rights among other things.
Jessica: Listen to the scholar! (mimics and exaggerates Maggie’s correct posture)
Maggie: (sighs) Despite Ms. Lowell’s benevolence regarding women, her hand in the creation of this place is a bit misguided. We are taught service jobs and how to act like high society ladies when this place was established by a member of the Women’s Suffrage Movement. I find it funny is all. (all the girls are looking at Maggie a little in awe)
Amy: (confused) Suffering isn’t funny.
Caroline: (shakes her head while looking at Amy) Good grief, girl!
Maggie: (walks into the dining room and puts an arm around Amy; Amanda, Jessica and Caroline draw near) ‘Funny’ as in ironic. If Ms. Lowell, Albion’s revered founder, is the feminist she is claimed to be, it means she believes in equality for women. Yet imprisoned as we are by the state we are forced to cook, clean and serve. Our education is limited to sewing and basic childcare. We learn little more that would put us on an even footing with the male workforce than proper etiquette and manners. (mocking) ‘Be a lady and clasp your hands behind your back. Chin up. Toes together, dear’.
Jessica: (playing along) ‘Curtsy before you leave the room, dear!’ (curtsies)
Amanda: (also mocking) ‘A man cannot abide a wife who speaks her mind and is contrary, dear’.
Caroline: (struggling to stay serious) We need to learn some of these things for when we have our own families.
Amy: Not knitting. I hate knitting. Or dying clothes. I bet the president doesn’t have to knit his own socks or wash them.
Amanda: Seriously, Mags. What is the Women’s Suffrage Movement?
Maggie: I heard talk at my old job with Mr. Eamon that it’s sort of a political organization for women – even though that’s kind of illegal. I guess they get away with it because the women who are members are all filthy rich. The bottom line is it’s about equality of the sexes. All that aside, even were it allowed, Amy, becoming president or getting elected to public office takes a lot of money and knowing the right people.
Amy: Who are the right people?
Caroline: The ones with money and who are into politics.
Amy: (frowning) Oh. I get it. (not getting it) Well, I better start saving money and getting to know the right people. Maybe when I get released it will be to a good family and they can help me take it political. And I can join this woman’s moving thingy too. Boy! Just think (stands on a chair) My fellow Americans, as your president there will be times when I must make new laws! Ones you won’t like!
Caroline: (sees Ms. Arnold) Shut up Amy! Get down from there!
Amy: (in a man’s voice) Madam President, what do you think we should do about the Spaniards and Cubans?
Ms. Arnold: (downstage away from the group of women) What should we do about them, Ms. Carthage? (the other women jump)
Amy: (throws a fist in the air) Invade Germany! Show the krauts who the boss is and let women rule the country! (turning toward the question) Release the animals from the (and sees Ms. Arnold) zoos . . .
Ms. Arnold: (hands folded, eyebrows arched) Is that so?
Amy: Ms. Arnold, I was just –
Ms. Arnold: (snaps) Save it! Get down from that chair. It is apparent you have not only failed to pay attention to your geography lessons, but now imagination and nonsense govern your reality where reason and decorum do not. Your absurdity, child, will soon find you in a padded cell. Come with me.
Amy: But I didn’t –
Ms. Arnold: I will not tell you again. None of you shall exercise childish fancies so long as I can prevent it. Come, you have chores to perform whilst I make some decisions. The rest of you back to work. (Amy slowly exits) If I hear any mention of the Women’s Suffrage Movement again I will give the offender (looks directly at Maggie) plenty of time to consider her error in a real prison. (Exits behind Amy, pushing her along)
Caroline: (beat) I keep telling that girl! She refuses to listen and now she’s summoned the devil. Amanda, how long before they come and take you to the city?
Amanda: Mr. Sacrum said late afternoon, early evening, why?
Caroline: I need to lose some steam so I’ll cut the wood if you finish the tables. (exits)
Amanda: (smiles) Deal. Maggie, you don’t think Ms. Arnold will really send Amy off do you? I know the girl is a bit off, but she’s harmless – a dreamer thrown into this mess cause her daddy can’t keep his hands to himself and her stepmother got jealous.
Maggie: There’s no knowing for certain. Ms. Arnold has sent away two girls in my fourteen months here. Both were normal compared to Amy, but they were defiant and that’s something the woman cannot stand. She has threatened both Caroline and I, but Amy is far from safe.
Jessica: She is such an evil bitch! I hate her!
Maggie: Easy there. We have to stay calm and do as we must to get by. Rebelling against Arnold might feel right, but it would be short-lived. She is an extension of the institution and has nearly as much authority as Ms. Roberts and twice the ambition. You can bet she is scheming for the director’s position, and if that happens we’re all in for a cell.
Jessica: She can do that?
Maggie: That and more. We are convicted criminals even if the offenses are minor and ridiculous. With no rights, we’re as good as dead next to Arnold’s whim.
Jessica: You can bet this whole stinking farm I ain’t going to no prison or asylum just because that bitch says so (Turns to leave).
Amanda: (lowering her voice) You can’t run, Jessy, it will make things worse!
Jessica: Only if I’m caught. I know some people in Buffalo who can help me get into Canada.
Maggie: And then what? You run for the rest of your life? An escapee is treated as a felon.
Jessica: So what?
Maggie: They can shoot to kill on sight assuming they don’t catch you off guard.
Amanda: (waves her hands, appalled) Look! Whatever Ms. Arnold decides to do with Amy, Ms. Roberts still has to agree.
Maggie: You’re right. We all have to make parole and get the hell away from here, and the easiest way to do that is by playing Arnold’s game while remembering the greater purpose is freedom. (looks directly at Jessica) Right, Jessy?
Jessica: (scowls, meets Maggie’s eyes, then nods) I guess so.
[A loud cry is heard off stage followed by the crack of a leather strap on flesh. This is repeated several times and interspersed with sobbing]
Maggie: (furious) That bitch is whipping Amy! I’ll kill her!
Jessica: (grabs ahold of Maggie) Calm down, Mags. Remember the greater purpose?
Amanda: She’s right Maggie. This is temporary. We’re not going to change Arnold, but we can save ourselves.
[Amy stumbles in and begins setting tables, her head down]
Maggie: (goes over to Amy) Are you going to be okay?
Amy: (tearfully) I’ve been beat worse by meaner people.
Jessica: Freedom sure seems a long way from here, eh Maggie? (looks longingly out the window)
Maggie: (angry) I know how to take care of the witch, you girls wait and see.
[scene ends]
Did you enjoy Maggie? If so, watch for the entire play to be available on Am,azon within the next several months.
