Dictionaries give two distinct meanings to the word "mentality" the origin of
which is an English derivation dating from 1690 that combines "mental" with the
abstract noun forming suffix -ity, which indicates a state or condition.
The first meaning is mental power, endowment, or capability. The second meaning is one's mode of
thought, one's turn or cast of mind, how one's view or outlook is set. In relation to The Flower
Girl in Act 1 of , the second meaning promises to be the more interesting,
though information provides enlightenment on the first meaning as well.
The
Flower Girl, according to the first meaning of natural mental endowment and capabilities, is
shown to be rational and intelligent. Though spoken in an almost impossible to decipher , her
remark to the Mother is telling of significant mental endowment and capability. She says (in
translation),
"Oh, he's your son, is he? Well, if
you would have done your duty by him as a mother should, he would known better...
No comments:
Post a Comment