Bill, looking for a conversation opener, asks Betty about her book. They then rapidly cycle through girlfriends and sort-of girlfriends that disqualify Bill for this relationship: two at once and one is pregnant, a “castrating bitch” that he just dumped, and his mother. Bill sums up his thesis with: “You just can’t hang a sign on a person.” To which Betty replies: “I’ll bet you’re a Scorpio.” The end of that bit is marked by many bells ringing. Being educated allows Bill to move forward in his relationship with Betty. In a very compact fifteen-minute play, it touches on important issues in the philosophy of language:... Sure Thing study guide contains a biography of David Ives, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. Betty says, finally and for the first time in this particular world, that she wouldn’t mind if he sits. Bill says thanks anyway. Maybe for a friend. The bell rings and Bill repeats his question to which Betty says, "No, but I'm expecting somebody in a minute." Goldman, Rebecca. All in the Timing - Sure Thing (Williamsburg Theatre Company) Narcisa Conn. Ives’s characters plunge into black holes called "Philadelphias," … My first point on the subject of timing is that the Lord has His own timetable. Words, Words, Words takes the “infinite monkey theorem”-- the idea that given enough time, three monkeys in a room could … The humor of the scene is in Bill and Betty’s growing excitement about all that they have in common, which turn out to be trivial, commonplace items. An empty chair is opposite of her. “The sound and the fury” is a phrase from Macbeth’s soliloquy when he finds out that Lady Macbeth has died: “Out, out, brief candle! All in the Timing - Sure Thing (Williamsburg Theatre Company) Report. Betty replies “Sure thing.” The bell rings again. Thinking about Bill and Betty’s dialog from the perspective of this allusion to Shakespeare supports the argument that their characters are in fact empty of significance, as the language itself continuously shifts their made-up identities to achieve the goal the audience expects of a romantic comedy: happily ever after. Betty is at a restaurant, waiting. Title: David Ives - All in the Timing.pdf Author: wljones Created Date: 1/21/2011 1:17:11 PM “English 101: Critical Reasoning, Reading, and Writing.” Marilyn Kennedy’s Course Web Site. When Bill asks “So are you still interested?” it’s clear that he’s talking about a relationship with him. She says that she was. This topic introduces the theme of class to the play. She asks a follow-up question: “Where was college?” His first answer is Oral Roberts University. Entenmann’s crumb cake is a mass-produced product from a company that started in New York; the fact that Bill and Betty both eat it means that they are just like everyone else in their location. I just like to party.” His third answer, "Harvard," allows him to move on in the conversation to the next topic. Betty promises that she will love Bill and cherish him forever. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Sure Thing by David Ives. Betty asks Bill if he likes Faulkner. THE STORIES: SURE THING is a classic of contemporary comedy: Two people meet in a cafe and find their way through a conversational minefield as an offstage bell interrupts their false starts, gaffes, and faux pas on the way to falling in love. Copyright © 1999 - 2021 GradeSaver LLC. Primary Stages, 59E59 Theatres 59 E. 59th St. ($70) 212-279-4200, closes March 17. The thesis “labels are not important” is ironic because it is the opposite of what is demonstrated in the scene—and, in fact, in the entire play. The second time, the conversation progresses further, to the point of back-and-forth dialog, but this time Bill reveals that he’s had a nervous breakdown. "[3], Sure Thing was first presented at Manhattan Punch Line's Festival of One-Act Comedies, New York City, in February 1988. 5 years ago | 27 views. Bill, the same age as Betty, enters the cafe and approaches her. Betty, a woman in her late twenties, is reading at a cafe table. It is a chronicle of the possibilities that exist when two people try to have a cup of coffee together. When he tries again with the same line, and “no offense” added, it works long enough to find out that she broke up recently and to invite her to the movies, which she turns down. When Bill points out that Betty might not have liked him before, this is funny because the audience has just experienced her rejection of Bill in the previous scene. What is the setting of this play and how does it affect the play's action and meaning? David Ives' All in the Timing is a collection of short plays that all relate to the themes of time, language, the choices we make, and the power of words. In contrast, the same speech when divided into a conversation between Bill and Betty builds their relationship. Sure Thing - All In The Timing, by David Ives. Their conversation moves forward when she says no, she’s not waiting for someone, just reading. Aussie Full Moon Party (5.00 out of 5) Party on Magnetic Island QLD for Australia's full moon party; Thailand New Year’s Eve (5.00 out of 5) What a great place to be to end the year. Betty is at a restaurant, waiting. They are thrilled to share very generic tastes. He is perhaps best known for his comic one-act plays; The New York Times in 1997 referred to him as the "maestro of the short form". But his next two lines, about all of the other seats being taken and the place being nice, lead nowhere. A speech act is an utterance that performs an action. “English 101: Critical Reasoning, Reading, and Writing.” Marilyn Kennedy’s Course Web Site. I don't remember buying this copy but I'm sure it was for a good reason? This essay explores how language is used to reveal the hidden inner thoughts and feelings of characters, and how timing can play a crucial part in the portrayal of dramatic characters to the audience. He invites her out to the movies. So here it is. With John Cusack, Daphne Zuniga, Anthony Edwards, Boyd Gaines. In "Sure Thing," two strangers meet in a café. Twigg’s blocking and timing were impressive, but so was the honest comedic acting of all the players. 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