Siblings don’t take turns nicely. Not that I have any personal experience, but this simple fact seems to manifest itself in myriad ways in our household. From using a particular bathroom (even though we have three), to being the first to get a snack, to the much coveted computer time. It doesn’t matter what the activity is, Joyce and Marie will go on an archaeological dig to excavate their fossilized bone of contention.
Yet there is one endeavor they take turns at perfectly: playing the role of Jekyll or Hyde. Jekyll has exquisite manners, uses polite language, shows thoughtfulness for others, and is extremely helpful. Hyde is rude, demanding, heedless of how her actions affect others, and performs even the smallest requests grudgingly only under duress.
They must have private conversations about changing roles, helping the understudy learn their part, and coaching them on how best to act for maximum audience provocation. There is always one of each character, the role swap accomplished swiftly and with unpredictable timing. Each actress brings a new and unique flavor to either role, no matter how long her hiatus from the character.
Jekyll is always quick to point out Hyde’s faults, while expounding upon her own virtues. Hyde reacts with sullen pouts, or surly comebacks, laying the responsibility for her bad behavior at Jekyll’s feet. Who immediately points out how her actions were irreproachable, and Hyde is solely to blame for her own failure to measure up to Jekyll’s perfection.
And round and round they go. I do wonder if either Joyce or Marie prefers a particular role, or if they relish the variety of morphing into such dissimilar personas. Maybe they just have to experiment with being the “good child ” or “”bad child.”
I just remind myself every time the roles unexpectedly switch, that at least they’re taking turns at something.
This is so funny.
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