# data[].attributes.headline
Jaden: The playwright establishes the slightly lopsided relationship between Evelyn and Diana through direct characterization, dialogue, and diction.

# data[].attributes.subject
Jaden: The playwright establishes the slightly lopsided relationship between Evelyn and Diana through direct characterization, dialogue, and diction.

# data[].attributes.headline
Jaden: In the exposition, both characters are described in both appearance and demeanor, hinting at their underlying personalities.

# data[].attributes.subject
Jaden: In the exposition, both characters are described in both appearance and demeanor, hinting at their underlying personalities.

# data[].attributes.body
"Evelyn, a heavily made-up, reasonably well-dressed, expressionless girl..." (1.1.7)
"...Diana enters. She is older, mid to later thirties. She always gives the impression of being slightly fraught" (1.1.12)

# data[].attributes.headline
Hannah: Ayckbourn illustrates the relationship between Evelyn and Diana as strained to the point of awkwardness, as seen through stream of consciousness, anaphora, and mood set through parentheticals, to comment on how apathy destroys and prevents valuable relationships from building.

# data[].attributes.subject
Hannah: Ayckbourn illustrates the relationship between Evelyn and Diana as strained to the point of awkwardness, as seen through stream of consciousness, anaphora, and mood set through parentheticals, to comment on how apathy destroys and prevents valuable relationships from building.

# data[].attributes.headline
Athena: Ayckbourn uses contrasting diction, repetition, and consonance to establish a stilted and disconnected relationship between Evelyn and Diana in order to illustrate how self-absorption creates empty relationships in the long-term.  

# data[].attributes.subject
Athena: Ayckbourn uses contrasting diction, repetition, and consonance to establish a stilted and disconnected relationship between Evelyn and Diana in order to illustrate how self-absorption creates empty relationships in the long-term.  

# data[].attributes.headline
Jaden: The contrast in dialogue between Diana's long. rambling observations and Evelyn's unenthusiastic and short replies further demonstrates the state of their relationship.

# data[].attributes.subject
Jaden: The contrast in dialogue between Diana's long. rambling observations and Evelyn's unenthusiastic and short replies further demonstrates the state of their relationship.

# data[].attributes.body
DIANA: *long rambling comment*
EVELYN: 'Oh'

# data[].attributes.headline
Hannah: Throughout the scene, Ayckbourn writes Diana's stream of consciousness through her dialogue, which shows how desperate she is for companionship. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Hannah: Throughout the scene, Ayckbourn writes Diana's stream of consciousness through her dialogue, which shows how desperate she is for companionship. 

# data[].attributes.body
"Him and his squash...Does John play squash?" (1.1.37-40)
"Oh well...Did you knit that little jacket for him?" (1.1.44-48)

# data[].attributes.headline
Taylor:  The playwright establishes a tense relationship between Evelyn and Diana through an anxious tone, contrasting diction between characters, and repetition of phrases, which reveals how the lack of engagement in conversation leads to a weak, one-sided relationship.

# data[].attributes.subject
Taylor:  The playwright establishes a tense relationship between Evelyn and Diana through an anxious tone, contrasting diction between characters, and repetition of phrases, which reveals how the lack of engagement in conversation leads to a weak, one-sided relationship.

# data[].attributes.headline
Hannah: Ayckbourn's  repeated use of the same words and phrases in Evelyn's responses reveals a lack of enthusiasm or interest in a conversation with Diana, preventing a bond from forming.

# data[].attributes.subject
Hannah: Ayckbourn's  repeated use of the same words and phrases in Evelyn's responses reveals a lack of enthusiasm or interest in a conversation with Diana, preventing a bond from forming.

# data[].attributes.body
"'Does John play squash?' 'No'" (1.1.40-41)
"'Did you knit that little jacket for him?' 'No'" (1.1.48-49)

# data[].attributes.headline
Jaden: Evelyn's repetition of short, stagnant phrases and words reveals her lack of enthusiasm

# data[].attributes.subject
Jaden: Evelyn's repetition of short, stagnant phrases and words reveals her lack of enthusiasm

# data[].attributes.body
"EVELYN: Oh." (1.1.36)
"EVELYN: No." (1.1.41)

# data[].attributes.headline
Sarah: Ayckbourn exhibits the divide between the contrasting presentations of Evelyn and Diana through imagery, contrasting dictation, and usage of dialogue. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Sarah: Ayckbourn exhibits the divide between the contrasting presentations of Evelyn and Diana through imagery, contrasting dictation, and usage of dialogue. 

# data[].attributes.headline
Athena: Ayckbourn contrasts Diana and Evelyn through stark differences in sentence length and structure. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Athena: Ayckbourn contrasts Diana and Evelyn through stark differences in sentence length and structure. 

# data[].attributes.headline
Brock: Ayckbourn exposes the tension in the relationship between Diana and Evelyn through the contrasting diction of the two characters, which is accentuated by the repetition of Evelyn's short responses and the short backstories of the two characters in the scene description.

# data[].attributes.subject
Brock: Ayckbourn exposes the tension in the relationship between Diana and Evelyn through the contrasting diction of the two characters, which is accentuated by the repetition of Evelyn's short responses and the short backstories of the two characters in the scene description.

# data[].attributes.headline
Athena: Furthermore, Ayckbourn has both characters repeat key phrases of their dialogue, highlighting how neither is truly listening to other and would rather hear their own reply again. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Athena: Furthermore, Ayckbourn has both characters repeat key phrases of their dialogue, highlighting how neither is truly listening to other and would rather hear their own reply again. 

# data[].attributes.headline
Hannah: The lack of relationship between Evelyn and Diana is interpreted in the way Ayckbourn has characters perform, as shown through parentheticals, and sets a mood of tension in the room.

# data[].attributes.subject
Hannah: The lack of relationship between Evelyn and Diana is interpreted in the way Ayckbourn has characters perform, as shown through parentheticals, and sets a mood of tension in the room.

# data[].attributes.body
"'Oh well' [She looks about her.]" (1.1.25)
"[Pause.]" (1.1.34)

# data[].attributes.headline
Athena: Lastly, Ayckbourn's use of breathy consonants for Diana's dialogue, as if she must get all her words out in one breath purposefully clashes with their use of  simple, hard sounds for Evelyn's dialogue, mirroring her apathy. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Athena: Lastly, Ayckbourn's use of breathy consonants for Diana's dialogue, as if she must get all her words out in one breath purposefully clashes with their use of  simple, hard sounds for Evelyn's dialogue, mirroring her apathy. 

# data[].attributes.headline
Sarah: Even upon the first introduction, it is to be noted that while Diana is quite literally exclaiming at the mere sight of the child and the continuation of other enthused babblings, Evelyn has only managed to utter three syllables to match Diana's upwards of three sentences. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Sarah: Even upon the first introduction, it is to be noted that while Diana is quite literally exclaiming at the mere sight of the child and the continuation of other enthused babblings, Evelyn has only managed to utter three syllables to match Diana's upwards of three sentences. 

# data[].attributes.body
DIANA: Have you got him to sleep?
EVELYN: Yes.
DIANA: Aaah! They look so lovely like that. Like little cherubim's.
EVELYN [unenthusiastic]: Mmm.
DIANA: Just like little cherumbims. Should he be covered up as much as that, dear?
EVELYN: Yes.

# data[].attributes.headline
Maria; Ayckbourn signifies an evidently strained relationship between Diana and Evelyn through the continuous use of contrasting diction, mood and repetition.

# data[].attributes.subject
Maria; Ayckbourn signifies an evidently strained relationship between Diana and Evelyn through the continuous use of contrasting diction, mood and repetition.

# data[].attributes.headline
Alex: Ayckbourn signifies an awkward and uneasy relationship through the use of epistrophe and tense mood as emphasized through contrasting diction, as there is little to no connection present between Diana and Evelyn in order to demonstrate the importance of engagement with others in order to preserve relationships. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Alex: Ayckbourn signifies an awkward and uneasy relationship through the use of epistrophe and tense mood as emphasized through contrasting diction, as there is little to no connection present between Diana and Evelyn in order to demonstrate the importance of engagement with others in order to preserve relationships. 

# data[].attributes.headline
Alex: The unnatural flow of dialogue between Diana and Evelyn is presented as Ayckbourn depicts an uncomfortable relationship through the value of epistrophe.  

# data[].attributes.subject
Alex: The unnatural flow of dialogue between Diana and Evelyn is presented as Ayckbourn depicts an uncomfortable relationship through the value of epistrophe.  

# data[].attributes.body
“ Diana: won't he get too hot?

Evelyn: He likes it hot.

Diana: oh i was just worried he wasn't getting enough air.

Evelyn: He's alright, he doesn't need much air “ ( 1.1 21-24)

# data[].attributes.headline
Alex: Within Diana and Evelyn’s relationship, Ayckbourn creates a tense mood in order to demonstrate their discomfort and awkwardness towards each other, as well as Evelyn’s own disinterest in the conversation. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Alex: Within Diana and Evelyn’s relationship, Ayckbourn creates a tense mood in order to demonstrate their discomfort and awkwardness towards each other, as well as Evelyn’s own disinterest in the conversation. 

# data[].attributes.body
“ Diana: not for ages. Well , I'm glad you could come this afternoon. Colin will really appreciate that, I'm sure. Seeing us all.

[ pause ]

Paul should be home again soon. I think he’s playing his squash again.

Evelyn: Oh” ( 1.1 32-36)

# data[].attributes.headline
Alex: With the prominent use of contrasting diction, Ayckbourn further emphasizes the tense and unnatural relationship between Diana and Evelyn, resulting ones lack of engagement and presence with another. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Alex: With the prominent use of contrasting diction, Ayckbourn further emphasizes the tense and unnatural relationship between Diana and Evelyn, resulting ones lack of engagement and presence with another. 

# data[].attributes.body
“ Diana: Have you got him to go to sleep?

Evelyn: Yes.

Diana: [looking into the pram] Aaah! They look so lovely like that. Like little cherubims.

Evelyn: [unenthusiastic] Mmm

Diana: Just like little cherubims. Should he be covered up as much as that dear?

Evelyn: Yes” ( 1.1 15-20).

# data[].attributes.headline
Gabi:  Ayckbourn establishes and emphasizes the tense and fretful relationship between Diana and Evelyn through repetition of similes, onomatopoeia, and the juxtaposition of contrasting syntaxes to reveal that one's inability to enthusiastically participate in a conversation leads to an empty and one-sided friendship

# data[].attributes.subject
Gabi:  Ayckbourn establishes and emphasizes the tense and fretful relationship between Diana and Evelyn through repetition of similes, onomatopoeia, and the juxtaposition of contrasting syntaxes to reveal that one's inability to enthusiastically participate in a conversation leads to an empty and one-sided friendship

# data[].attributes.headline
Gabi: Ayckbourn's repetition of similes from Diana reveals her attempt to connect with an uncooperative Evelyn. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Gabi: Ayckbourn's repetition of similes from Diana reveals her attempt to connect with an uncooperative Evelyn. 

# data[].attributes.body
DIANA: Aaah! They look so lovely like that. Like little cherubims.EVELYN: [unenthusiastically]: Mmm.DIANA: Just like little cherubims... (1.1.17-19).

# data[].attributes.headline
Gabi: Ackybourne’s use of onomatopoeia, emphasizes the contrast in personality and participation between Diana and Evelyn, resulting in a strained and superficial relationship. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Gabi: Ackybourne’s use of onomatopoeia, emphasizes the contrast in personality and participation between Diana and Evelyn, resulting in a strained and superficial relationship. 

# data[].attributes.body
DIANA: -now he’s squash mad. Squash, squash, squash. Can’t see what he sees in it. All afternoon hitting a ball against a wall. It’s so noisy. Bang, bang, bang...Does John play squash?

EVELYN: No. (1.1.38-41).

# data[].attributes.headline
Gabi: Ayckbourne's juxtapositioning of contrasting syntaxes further demonstrates the awkward and tense relationship between Diana and Evelyn, therefore revealing the effects of one-sided hostility in a frienship.

# data[].attributes.subject
Gabi: Ayckbourne's juxtapositioning of contrasting syntaxes further demonstrates the awkward and tense relationship between Diana and Evelyn, therefore revealing the effects of one-sided hostility in a frienship.

# data[].attributes.body
DIANA: ...Should he be covered up as much as that, dear?

EVELYN: Yes. (1.1.19-20).

DIANA: Oh well… [she looks about her.] Well, I think we’re all ready for them. John’s on his way, you say?

EVELYN: Yes. (1.1.25-27).

# data[].attributes.headline
Maria; Throughout the exposition, the use of contrasting dialogue between Evelyn and Diana’s interactions showcases an awkward aura that can indicate an almost non-existent relationship between them. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Maria; Throughout the exposition, the use of contrasting dialogue between Evelyn and Diana’s interactions showcases an awkward aura that can indicate an almost non-existent relationship between them. 

# data[].attributes.body
Diana: Oh, well. He probably doesn’t need it….After my mother left him. [Looking into

the pram.] Did you knit that little jacket for him?

Evelyn: No.

# data[].attributes.headline
Maria; Evelyn and Diana’s strained relationship is proven even more through the uncomfortable mood set in place by Evelyn’s apparent disinterest to keep a conversation going with Diana. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Maria; Evelyn and Diana’s strained relationship is proven even more through the uncomfortable mood set in place by Evelyn’s apparent disinterest to keep a conversation going with Diana. 

# data[].attributes.body
Diana: Him and his squash. It used to be tennis –....No fresh air at all. It can’t be good for

him. Does John play squash?

Evelyn: No.

Diana: Oh.

# data[].attributes.headline
Maria; The use of repetition from Evelyn fully depicts the disconnection between her and Diana’s relationship because of how short/blunt her responses are in comparison to Diana’s inquiries. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Maria; The use of repetition from Evelyn fully depicts the disconnection between her and Diana’s relationship because of how short/blunt her responses are in comparison to Diana’s inquiries. 

# data[].attributes.body
Evelyn: He’s all right. He doesn’t need much air.

Diana: Oh well... [She looks about her.] Well, I think we’re all ready for them. John’s on his way,

you say?

Evelyn: Yes.

Diana: How is he these days? I haven’t seen John for ages.

Evelyn: He’s all right.

Diana: I haven’t seen either of you.

Evelyn: We’re all right.

# data[].attributes.headline
Brock: The scene description of the play establishes the differences between Evelyn and Diana and portrays them as their own people that act in their own ways.

# data[].attributes.subject
Brock: The scene description of the play establishes the differences between Evelyn and Diana and portrays them as their own people that act in their own ways.

# data[].attributes.body
"At the start, EVELYN, a heavily made-up, reasonably trendily dressed, expressionless girl, is
sitting by a pram which she is rocking absently with one hand whilst gazing blankly out of the
window... [DIANA] smiles occasionally, but it’s painful. Her sharp darting
eyes don’t miss much after years of suspicions both genuine and unfounded" (1.1.7-9, 13-14).

# data[].attributes.headline
Brock: The contrasting diction of the two characters demonstrates the differences between the two characters and the tension that their relationship holds.

# data[].attributes.subject
Brock: The contrasting diction of the two characters demonstrates the differences between the two characters and the tension that their relationship holds.

# data[].attributes.body
Diana: How is he these days? I haven’t seen John for ages.
Evelyn: He’s all right.
Diana: I haven’t seen either of you.
Evelyn: We’re all right.
Diana: Not for ages. Well, I’m glad you could come this afternoon. Colin will really appreciate
that, I’m sure. Seeing us all.
[Pause.]
Paul should be home again soon. I think he’s playing his squash again. (1.1.28-35).

# data[].attributes.headline
Brock: The repetition found in Evelyn's short responses portrays Evelyn as aloof, whereas Diana's long and conversational responses make her appear more almost desperate to make a connection.

# data[].attributes.subject
Brock: The repetition found in Evelyn's short responses portrays Evelyn as aloof, whereas Diana's long and conversational responses make her appear more almost desperate to make a connection.

# data[].attributes.body
Diana: Have you got him to sleep?
Evelyn: Yes.
Diana [looking into the pram]: Aaah! They look so lovely like that. Like little cherubims.
Evelyn [unenthusiastic]: Mmm.
Diana: Just like little cherubims. [Anxious.] Should he be covered up as much as that, dear?
Evelyn: Yes.
Diana: Won’t he get too hot?
Evelyn: He likes it hot.
Diana: Oh. I was just worried he wasn’t getting enough air.
Evelyn: He’s all right. He doesn’t need much air.
Diana: Oh well... [She looks about her.] Well, I think we’re all ready for them. John’s on his way,
you say?
Evelyn: Yes.

# data[].attributes.headline
Claire: Alan Ayckbourn's juxtaposing diction, imagery, and characterization illustrates the extent of how one's actions and demeanor can lead to disconnect and tension in relationships. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Claire: Alan Ayckbourn's juxtaposing diction, imagery, and characterization illustrates the extent of how one's actions and demeanor can lead to disconnect and tension in relationships. 

# data[].attributes.headline
Claire: Alan Ayckbourn employs contrasting diction through dialogue syntax to emphasize how the difference between Diana's stream-of-consciousness phrases and Evelyn's stagnant replies contributes to the detached manner of their exchanges.  

# data[].attributes.subject
Claire: Alan Ayckbourn employs contrasting diction through dialogue syntax to emphasize how the difference between Diana's stream-of-consciousness phrases and Evelyn's stagnant replies contributes to the detached manner of their exchanges.  

# data[].attributes.body
"DIANA: Him and his squash. It used to be tennis - now he's squash mad. Squash, squash, squash. Can't see what he sees in it. All afternoon hitting a ball against a wall. It can't be good for him. Does John play squash?
EVELYN: No" (1.1.37-41).

# data[].attributes.headline
Claire: Alan Ayckbourn's imagery reveals Diana and Evelyn to have qualities in personality, speech, and dress starkly distinct from the other that prevent them from interacting amiably.

# data[].attributes.subject
Claire: Alan Ayckbourn's imagery reveals Diana and Evelyn to have qualities in personality, speech, and dress starkly distinct from the other that prevent them from interacting amiably.

# data[].attributes.body
"EVELYN, a heavily made-up, reasonably well-dressed, expressionless girl..." (1.1.7).

"...DIANA enters. She is older, mid to later thirties. She always gives the impression of being slightly fraught" (1.1.12-13).

# data[].attributes.headline
Claire: Through characterization, Alan Ayckbourn strongly conveys Diana and Evelyn's foil natures to highlight the tense and unnatural aspects of their meeting.

# data[].attributes.subject
Claire: Through characterization, Alan Ayckbourn strongly conveys Diana and Evelyn's foil natures to highlight the tense and unnatural aspects of their meeting.

# data[].attributes.body
"DIANA [looking into the pram]: Aaah! They look so lovely like that. Like little cherubims.
EVELYN [unenthusiastic]: Mmm.
DIANA: Just like little cherubims. [Anxious.] Should he be covered up as much as that, dear?" (1.1.17-19).

# data[].attributes.headline
Taylor: Ayckbourn utilizes an anxious tone in the playwright to reveal the weak relationship between the characters, and the discomfort they face when communicating.

# data[].attributes.subject
Taylor: Ayckbourn utilizes an anxious tone in the playwright to reveal the weak relationship between the characters, and the discomfort they face when communicating.

# data[].attributes.body
"DIANA: Well, I'm glad you could come this afternoon.  Colin will really appreciate that, I'm sure.  Seeing us all.
[Pause.]
Paul should be home again soon.  I think he's playing squash again.
EVELYN: Oh" (1.1.32-36).

# data[].attributes.headline
Taylor: Ayckbourn's contrasting diction between characters emphasizes that apathetic, one-sided conversations create empty relationships.

# data[].attributes.subject
Taylor: Ayckbourn's contrasting diction between characters emphasizes that apathetic, one-sided conversations create empty relationships.

# data[].attributes.body
"DIANA: Him and his squash.  It used to be tennis, now he's squash mad ... Does John play squash?
EVELYN: No.
DIANA: Oh" (1.1.37-41).

# data[].attributes.headline
Taylor: Through the repetition of empty dialogue, Ayckbourn reveals the lack of interest in conversation, and furthermore how it can prevent relationships from being formed and maintained.

# data[].attributes.subject
Taylor: Through the repetition of empty dialogue, Ayckbourn reveals the lack of interest in conversation, and furthermore how it can prevent relationships from being formed and maintained.

# data[].attributes.body
"EVELYN: No" (1.1.41).
"EVELYN: No" (1.1.49).