When reading Overtones, by
Alice Gerstenberg, a line of Harriet’s struck me very early on. She says to
Hetty, "I can't let her see that I've been fighting with my inner
self." I believe this line summarizes the nature of the "inner
selves" in the theatrical world of the play. Perhaps, the each character
in this world is aware that each person has an “inner self.” Something like a
conscious, but more present in this theatrical world: a kind of guide, that
speaks pure emotional reactions and truths that might not always be advantageous
to express.
In turn, these inner selves would
be conscious of the other’s existence as well. However, throughout the play, it
seems as though the inner selves of both Margaret and Harriet cannot hear each
other, though they speak directly to each other in the final moments of the
play. Near the end of the play I found a few lines that could have been the
inner selves directly speaking to one another. But I found no concrete
evidence in the text that suggests the two seemingly transcendental beings could
hear each other.
When Harriet voices concern that
Margaret could be suspicious of their row, she pleas with Hetty to quite her
fussing. This is the only evidence within the text to support that this
theatrical world is any different from our own, and that these two aren’t a
couple of kooky, perhaps mildly neurotic socialites. And even so, the text is
still very open to that possibility, or different interpretations.
You can also consider the characteristics of
both women. They are rival socialites, described as “cultured women” with a
history that pits them against each other. Under this kind of pressure, it
would be reasonable for Harriet to be cautious of showing any fear to her sworn
enemy. And that could have been the only reason for her to mention the concern
to her Hetty.
Alice Gerstenberg balances an
almost magical realism in Overtones,
combining exaggerated and fantastical ideas with natural human thoughts and
concerns.
