Tomorrow and Tomorrow and So Forth

by John Updike

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Summary

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In Mark Prosser's English class, students are meant to explore deep soliloquys, like Macbeth's reflections on life and death. However, Prosser's preoccupation with his students' perceptions seems to overshadow the lesson itself. His interactions with the students reveal more about his insecurities than about Shakespeare's poignant words.

The Classroom Atmosphere

As the eleventh-grade students filter into the classroom, Prosser prides himself on interpreting their moods, attributing a noticeable restlessness to the change in weather. The students' interactions brim with youthful energy, as they jostle and playfully roughhouse on their way to their seats. Among them, Gloria Angstrom stands out in her pink sleeveless sweater, drawing Prosser's observant and somewhat inappropriate attention. He sees himself contending for her notice against Peter Forrester, a redhead who has neglected his homework but successfully captures Gloria's interest with his boisterous entry. This rivalry spurs Prosser to call on Peter first, exposing Peter’s lack of preparation and allowing Prosser to mask his envy with derisive comments about redheads and Peter's inadequate responses.

Prosser's Self-Consciousness

Prosser's self-awareness mirrors that of his adolescent charges, diverting his focus from teaching to gauging the students' reactions to him. His interpretation of "Macbeth" barely surpasses his students', heavily influenced by their interaction rather than the text itself. When Peter requests further clarification, Prosser admits his own uncertainty, further unsettling the class. By refusing to impose his interpretation, he relinquishes his role as educator, opting instead to be "a human among humans." This shift indicates a preference for their approval over imparting knowledge. Even when Prosser attempts to delve into Shakespeare, his motivation wanes in response to the students' apparent disinterest, leaving him self-congratulatory in his supposed perceptiveness.

Student Presentations and Prosser's Distraction

As students take turns reciting the lines from "Macbeth" at the front of the class, Prosser's attention drifts toward their social dynamics, especially those involving Gloria. He identifies with Geoffrey, another intelligent student, while intercepting a note from Gloria to Peter. In it, she compliments Prosser as a "great teacher" and confesses her love for him. At the end of the period, he asks Gloria to stay, intending to address the note with her.

The Aftermath of Classroom Drama

When the other students have left, Prosser patronizingly reprimands Gloria for passing notes, suggesting she misunderstands love. Yet, he expects her sincerity to reveal itself through tears. After she departs, Strunk, the physical education teacher, arrives to share how Gloria had similarly fooled other teachers with love notes. Prosser is incensed but refrains from admitting his own involvement in the prank, clinging to the belief that Gloria’s emotions towards him were genuine. As he exits the school, he convinces himself that Gloria was genuinely emotional, interpreting her near-tears as evidence of her true feelings, distinct from her earlier pranks on other teachers.

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