Machinal

In these two episodes, which are separated in time by one full year, the critical steps to Helen’s supposed freedom take place. We see her with her boyfriend in his apartment. In these two episodes, she is no longer referred to as a “young woman,” and, instead, only “woman.” When we see her in Episode 7, with her husband, she is again referred to as the “young woman.” The two episodes contrast markedly in their manner of speech. The Episode 6 dialogue is much more realistic, with two young people actually talking, trying to be honest, and caring about what the other says. We see the woman feeling joyous, purified, and teary from happiness. Episode 7, which takes place at the home of George Jones and Helen, signifies the rote nature of their marriage. The dialogue is clichéd, and they don’t look at each other or listen to each other. The young woman goes from feelings of the possibility of freedom to again being in bondage and having a deadening life. It’s in Episode 7 that Jones is murdered by Helen, in the same way the two men in Mexico were murdered: with a bottle filled with stones.