The GovernessThe GovernessBy: Neil Simon

…based on the short story,

“A Nincompoop” by Anton Chekhov

The GovernessThe Governess

• What is a mistress?

• What is a governess?

• Describe Julia’s character.

• Describe the mistress’s character.

The GovernessThe Governess

• What is the setting of the story? (Think of the “Russia” PowerPoint.)

• When Julia tells the mistress that her children are, “very bright,” what does the mistress imply about herself when she responds, “Well, why not?”

• Why does Julia accept whatever the mistress says?

The GovernessThe Governess

Ironic:

• Opposite to what might be expected

Verbal Irony / Situational Irony / Dramatic Irony

The GovernessThe Governess

• When discussing the issue about the broken saucer, the mistress responds:

“What good is a teacup without a saucer, eh? …That’s two rubles. The saucer was an heirloom. It costs much more, but let it go. I’m used to taking losses.”

• How is her response ironic?

The GovernessThe Governess

• The mistress docs 3 additional rubles from Julia’s pay. These rubles were a birthday gift to Julia from the mistress’s husband. The mistress responds:

“Thank you for telling me. Sometimes I’m a little lax with my accounts… always shortchanging myself.”

What makes the mistress’s claim ironic?

• After being accused of dropping the 11th ruble, Julia responds, “It’s all right, ma’am. Ten rubles will be fine.” What do you think Julia must be feeling at this point?

The GovernessThe Governess

• Why does Julia say it is “not necessary” to recount money and “no need” to check figures?

• Why is Julia’s assertion that the mistress is “very kind” ironic?

• What is the turning point of the story?

The GovernessThe Governess

Summarize:

• What lesson is the mistress trying to teach Julia?

• Does Julia learn the lesson? Why do you think Julia responds this way?

• What insight into human nature does this play give?

The GovernessThe Governess