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Context
Arnold’s mother (Ma Beckoff) is visiting him. Their relationship is tense, as Ma thinks she is tolerant of Arnold’s sexuality, but instead regularly makes homophobic and disrespectful comments (at one point telling Arnold that a man crocheting is “fairy” behavior). They have been arguing about relationships and grief, and Ma has made clear that she believes Arnold has chosen to be gay. The two take a break in their argument, while Ed (who is visiting) takes David (Arnold’s adopted son) out for
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Start:
Arnold: Yoo hoo, Mrs. Bloom! It’s safe to come out. David and Ed went for a walk and we’ve got the whole place to fight in.
Ma: (off) Enjoy yourself. I’m going to bed.
Arnold: Ma, I’m sorry I lost my temper.
Ma: Ha! I’m glad you’re sorry.
[... … …]
End:
Arnold: … But if you can’t respect me … Then you’ve got no business being here.
Ma: You’re throwing me out?
Arnold: What I’m trying to …
Ma: You’re throwing me out! Isn’t that nice? Listen, Mister, you get one mother in this world. Only one. Wait. Just you wait.
Harvey Fierstein, Torch Song Trilogy, in Out Plays: Landmark Gay and Lesbian Plays of the Twentieth Century, ed. Ben Hodges, 2008. pp.507-510.
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