"Her hands shook so that she couldn't hit the right keys." (ii, 1241).
This scene gives a little more into the characterization of Laura. For instance, the quote above emphasizes Laura's physical disabilities and anxiety about life. We also find out that Laura once had pleurosis. Also, I found Laura's situation very ironic. For example, on page 1244, Laura does not believe in herself. She does not believe that she can score a man. Laura says, Ï'm- crippled!" Amanda responds to Laura saying, "Nonsense! Laura, I've told you never, never to use that word. Why you're not crippled, you just have a little defect- hardly noticeable, even! When people have some slight disadvantage like that, they cultivate other things to make up for it - develop charm - and vivacity- and - charm! That's all you have to do!" (ii, 1244). Laura's mother is using euphemisms to minimize Laura's defect. She calms down her daughter and makes Laura feel as if her defect makes her special. I also found the final line of Scene 2 ironic. For instance, Amanda says, One thing your father had plenty of: was charm!" (ii, 1244). If Laura's father had charm, then why did he leave? Maybe Amanda was mesmerized by his charm and was mistaken for the person he really was.... Hopefully, Laura will do the same thing to win a man, but in a different way. Maybe Laura will win a man over with her charm and have others look past her disabilities.
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