s in fact a kind inscrutability [that] is unsettling”(1274). Her treatment of Ifada is merciless. His need makes no impression on her. She says to him, “You have a head like a spider’s egg, and your mouth dribbles like a roof”(1275). When she plays with him, it is entirely for her benefit. She points out in relation to the effigy, “just because you are helping me, don’t think it is going to cure you”(1275). Lone shares characteristics with to railroad workers too. Lone’s treatment of Ma parallels the treatment he has received from the villagers. He calls Ma “a child” and “an insect interrupting my practice”(1446). Ma receives similar treatment from the workers, who belittle him by lying about such things as living underground during the winter and warm snow. While this is similar to how The Girl treats Ifada, the similarities end as Lone grows as a character. Near the end of Hwang’s play, Lone not only accepts Ma but also befriends him. He asks Ma:LONE. Will I see you here tonight?MA. Tonight?LONE. I just thought I’d ask. (1456)Lone and The Girl share many common characteristics and have many differences. They are both isolated from the others in the play, Lone by choice and The Girl through circumstance. They start the plays with similarities to their respective communities. Both seem to lesson their isolation late in the play, Lone through acceptance of his coworkers and The Girl symbolically through the betrayal of Eman....
