Beauty By: Jane Martin

Summary

In this quirky and emotional script, a woman experiences a bizarre encounter with a genie who grants her three wishes. Amidst her humor and skepticism, she initially wishes for money, only to be overwhelmed by the consequences. As the conversation shifts to her insecurities about beauty and her life choices, she reveals her frustration with being overlooked in a superficial world. The final wish, made in desperation, leads to unintended results, showcasing the perils of longing for external change. The script blends humor, self-reflection, and the chaotic nature of wish fulfillment, exploring themes of identity, beauty, and self-worth.

Takeaways

• 😀 The narrator describes a surreal experience involving a genie in the park, who grants them wishes after they sarcastically request money.
• 😀 The narrator receives $25,000 from the genie after wishing for money, which appears to materialize in front of them.
• 😀 Despite the genie offering further wishes, the narrator remains skeptical, joking about the situation but also feeling conflicted about the bizarre experience.
• 😀 The narrator expresses feelings of envy toward a friend, Bethany, who they perceive as having a more glamorous life due to her beauty and success.
• 😀 The narrator contrasts beauty with being 'pretty,' suggesting that beauty brings special privileges like attention, money, and relationships, while 'pretty' is discovered over time.
• 😀 The narrator laments that their life lacks meaningful relationships and experiences, especially compared to Bethany, who seems to effortlessly gain attention.
• 😀 Bethany dismisses the narrator's idea of beauty, pointing out the burdens and difficulties of being constantly objectified and harassed due to her appearance.
• 😀 The narrator begins to question their priorities, thinking they could use the genie’s last wish to become beautiful and gain the advantages they associate with beauty.
• 😀 The narrator finally decides to use their last wish for beauty, but immediately regrets it as they realize that the transformation comes with unforeseen consequences.
• 😀 The script highlights themes of self-worth, the allure of beauty, and the impact of societal expectations, suggesting that beauty and superficiality can come with unexpected drawbacks.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the script?

The central theme revolves around the complex desires for beauty, self-worth, and how people perceive themselves versus how society perceives them. The story explores the consequences of getting everything you wish for without considering the deeper implications.

Who is the narrator in the script and what is their dilemma?

The narrator is a character named Bethany, who struggles with issues of self-image and societal expectations of beauty. She feels overlooked despite her outward appearance and wishes for beauty, which she believes will solve her problems.

What role does the genie play in the script?

The genie, named Castrati, offers Bethany three wishes. He acts as a catalyst for Bethany's internal conflict, helping her confront her desires and the consequences of wishing for superficial things.

Why does Bethany wish for beauty, and how does she feel about her appearance?

Bethany wishes for beauty because she feels overlooked and unappreciated. She is envious of others, particularly her friend, who seems to have a life full of opportunities because of her beauty. Despite being told she is beautiful, Bethany struggles with a lack of self-confidence and believes beauty is the key to unlocking her potential.

How does the script contrast beauty with intelligence and success?

The script contrasts beauty with intelligence and success by showing that while beauty can open doors and grant attention, it doesn't necessarily lead to deeper happiness or fulfillment. Bethany envies people with beauty, but she also reveals how difficult her life has been due to the pressure and objectification that come with it.

What does Bethany mean by 'pretty' versus 'beautiful' in the script?

Bethany differentiates between 'pretty' and 'beautiful' by defining beauty as something that is constant and immediately noticeable, whereas being pretty is something that others discover over time. Beauty, according to her, commands attention and privileges in a way that pretty does not.

Why is Bethany's wish for beauty problematic?

Bethany's wish for beauty is problematic because it comes from a shallow desire to solve her deeper emotional and existential issues. She believes that changing her appearance will fix her problems, but the script suggests that beauty alone does not guarantee happiness or a fulfilling life.

How does the script comment on the societal value placed on beauty?

The script critiques the societal emphasis on beauty by showing how it affects both those who have it and those who don't. It suggests that beauty is a form of power that grants privileges but also causes internal struggles and loneliness, as people are reduced to their appearance rather than valued for their intellect or personality.

What does Bethany ultimately realize about her wish?

Bethany eventually realizes that her wish for beauty does not solve her problems. When she becomes 'beautiful,' she finds herself caught in an image that she cannot escape, realizing too late that beauty, while powerful, does not fix the deeper issues of identity, fulfillment, or personal happiness.

What role do the secondary characters, like Kyle and Lisa, play in the script?

Kyle and Lisa serve as contrasting figures to Bethany, offering perspectives on beauty and success. Kyle is portrayed as someone who has long-term relationships and a career, while Lisa represents the pressures and superficiality of the beauty world. Both characters challenge Bethany’s views and offer alternative ways of looking at life, success, and self-worth.