LIVES AND WIVES OF A GENIUS
167
Marxist. You know the unity of theory and practice
is
philosophic–
ally untenable."
"You know what I mean," Billie said impatiently. "I mean
you have a brilliant mind, but you don't accomplish anything. Be–
sides, you should have a job, you have some responsibilities toward
me and the child."
"I really don't see the connection," said Stanley, trying to
control his irritation and steer the conversation away from personal
matters. "You sound like Max who hasn't an idea in his head,
but
is
always talking about the responsibility of the artist. At best
it amounts to a confusion of biography with art, at worst it
is
just
gossip for social workers- no, just malicious gossip pretending to be
for the good of art and humanity."
"Stop it," Billie shrieked, "I mean you." Then, composing her–
self, "Listen, Stanley. You know I love you and I think you have
great talent, maybe genius. But for God's sake don't you realize
there
is
something wrong with you. Maybe you ought to be analyzed.
If
you got a part-time job, we could manage it."
"You know I don't believe in psychoanalysis," Stanley snapped.
"Psychoanalysis is for women who think the main problem in life
is to make adjustments."
"I know, but it might help you anyway. You try to hide it,
Stanley. But you suffer-yes, you suffer terribly-like a martyr. But
for what?"
"Please, Billie. Stop it."
"Can't you see that you suffer because you can't do anything?
Your thinking and talking is like a drug. You're addicted to
it
and
it keeps you from everything-from working, feeling-from being
normal. You force me to say it, but you know you're not normal."
"You know," said Stanley with a display of meditative calm,
"I have come to the conclusion that you have a neurotic interest
in normality. Why don't you get yourself analyzed? Then maybe
you won't
be
so excited by normality."
"I guess it's hopeless," Billie said slowly .and began to cry.
"We're waking the baby."
Stanley got up. "I guess
I'll
take a walk," he said.
For a few months, Billie and Stanley lived together quietly,
waiting for the end. The divorce was simple, since there were no
