Page 84 - Big Idea

The Big Idea – Act 3

UTOPIAN: You? I never dreamed—

WOMAN 4: Would you stop saying you never dreamed! That’s all
you’ve been doing. Now it’s time to wake up: real danger threatens.
Once the chief finds that thug floating face down in the river, he’ll
send out a dozen more after you.

UTOPIAN: You think so?

WOMAN 4: No doubt in my mind. Now, let’s get going. I have a
cousin living over the next hill. She’ll give us shelter until this thing
blows over, and then we can decide whether to stay on with her
group or find another.

UTOPIAN: But what about—

WOMAN 4: No. Let’s get out of here. We haven’t got time to
stand around discussing alternatives.

UTOPIAN: (looks around at site) I guess you’re right.

WOMAN 4: Let me go see if the coast is clear. (exits right)

UTOPIAN:

Now I’ll never know if what I dreamed so strongly
Was fruitless fantasy or a sensible scheme:
All that remains is forever to stay awake,
At peril of losing my life or liberty!

I who would have awakened everyone else
From their repetitious and self-limiting dreams,
Ironically must now live those dreams myself--
And without the benefit of unconsciousness.

Shall I become a rigid type like the others?
A cringing peddler, a slimy politician,
A joker, a cynic, a sad philosopher?
Must I fully aware mimic their sleepwalking?

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