Student Question
What occurs in the farewell scene between Marilyn and her brother in "The Cold Equations"?
Quick answer:
In "The Cold Equations," Marilyn's farewell to her brother, Gerry, is initially tense as he realizes the dire consequences of her stowing away. Gerry's initial anger and desperation turn to soothing as Marilyn expresses guilt and fear. He reassures her, promising they will cope, and she comforts him by saying she'll always be with him in spirit. Their conversation ends with goodbyes before radio contact is lost, and Marilyn bravely accepts her fate.
In Tom Godwin's short story "The Cold Equations," Marilyn's goodbye
conversation with her brother, Gerry Cross, is at first very
tense but softens, giving Marilyn the courage
she needs to be ready to depart.
Gerry Cross's reaction to Marilyn's voice is at first
tense because he realizes she is on-board the EDS and knows what
consequences ensue from stowing away on-board an EDS. When he realizes she is a
stowaway, his first reaction is to feel angered, "hopeless and desperate," as
we see when he exclaims, "Marilyn! ... What have you done?"
Upon hearing his reaction, Marilyn breaks down due her feelings of
guilt for having hurt the ones she loves through her actions. She begs
him not to feel hurt and begins to cry:
Don't Gerry--I only wanted to see you; I didn't intend to hurt you. Please, Gerry, don't feel like that-- ... Don't feel like that. Don't let me go knowing you feel like that--.
Her response sobers him, and he begins to sooth her, telling her everything will be okay. After she confirms pilot Barton did everything he could to try to save her, Gerry also assures her that he and their parents will "make out fine." She reminds him that she'll always be with him, even in his dreams. They then have just enough time to say goodbye before they lose radio contact. When she is done talking to her brother, she very bravely steps into the air lock and tells Barton she is ready to go.
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