The Increased Difficulty of Concentration: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Increased Difficulty of Concentration: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the complexities of personal relationships and individual identity through the lens of Dr. Eduard Huml, a social scientist grappling with the demands of his professional and personal life. As he navigates a successful marriage with his supportive wife, Vlasta, Huml struggles against temptations presented by his mistress, Renata, and his attractive secretary, Blanka, who both draw out various facets of his character. The narrative also includes Dr. Anna Balcar, a social scientist whose emotional breakdown reflects the tensions between professional duty and personal desire, highlighting the human aspects of academic inquiry. The characters are observed under the scrutiny of a team of investigative social scientists, representing societal norms and the often impersonal nature of research. Each character's motivations and conflicts serve to illustrate the broader theme of individual struggle for happiness amidst external pressures and expectations. Throughout the story, the interplay of desire, jealousy, and the quest for understanding prompts readers to consider the difficulties of concentration in both personal and professional realms. This analysis invites reflection on the nature of human relationships and the pursuit of personal fulfillment.
The Increased Difficulty of Concentration: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Vaclav Havel
First published: Ztíená monost soustrdní, 1968 (English translation, 1969)
Genre: Play
Locale: A flat in Czechoslovakia
Plot: Comedy
Time: The mid-twentieth century
Dr. Eduard Huml, a social scientist in his mid-forties working on a book about the nature of human happiness. At the same time, he is maintaining a reasonably successful marriage, keeping a mistress, unsuccessfully fighting a physical attraction to his secretary, and submitting to an exhaustive set of examinations from a team of investigative social scientists who have invaded his house and are using him as a model of individuality, measured against computerized norms.
Vlasta Huml, his wife, domestic and supportive, a good cook, and eager to please her husband. She is trying to persuade Huml to end his long-standing affair and reveals that she craves the same attentions that he is showing his mistress, Renata.
Renata, Huml's mistress, roughly thirty years old and “full of fun and games.” She is jealous of Huml's wife and spends most of her time trying to persuade Huml to get a divorce.
Blanka, Huml's young and attractive secretary. She takes dictation with blinding speed. She is not altogether innocent but is managing, so far, to fend off Huml's advances.
Dr. Anna Balcar, a beautiful and intelligent social scientist, an interrogator for the team of social scientists invading Huml's house. After maintaining a professional bearing for most of the play, she breaks down and cries, succumbing to Huml's charms when he points out to her that her whole project is a pointless mistake.
Karel Krieble, a technician on the investigating team, in charge of operating and maintaining the proper temperature and atmospheric conditions for Puzuk, a computerlike machine that interprets Huml's answers in the light of statistical social norms.
Emil Machal, the surveyor for the investigating team, charged with gauging floors and doorways, measuring the moisture in the walls, and weighing the bedclothes. Slightly sinister and combative, he is a dangerous force on the team.
Mr. Beck, the titular head of the team, older than the others. His total participation consists of pacing back and forth, gruffly refusing all offers of refreshment, and vowing to go fishing “tomorrow.”