Interlude of the Pregnant Fool Or “SIMPLE SIMPLÓN AND CARALIMPIA” By Benjamín Gavarre

 

Interlude of the Pregnant Fool

Or

“SIMPLE SIMPLÓN

AND

CARALIMPIA”

By Benjamín Gavarre

Characters:

Simple Simplón (Simpleton)

Caralimpia (Clean Face)

Adivino (Fortune Teller)

Monstruo (Monster)

Setting: A colonial 16th century.

Plaza, fountain, bench, trees.

Simple Simplón, pregnant, and Caralimpia with a fishing net with which he catches his friend, are in a Plaza.

Caralimpia.- What's this, Simplón? What happened to you? Why do you look so different? Yesterday you were as long as a stick, and today you walk like Simple Simplón, pregnant.

Simple Simplón.- It's true, I've changed, I've been altered. Before, my belly was flat, and now it's big and round. Something has suddenly made me pregnant. I can already feel the pains, and I think I'm going to give birth.

Caralimpia.- But wait, hold on, stop! You're not going to give birth, not here, you won't stop, it's not funny.

Simple Simplón.- And how can I not give birth, when I already feel the Monster coming out?

Caralimpia.- And why a "Monster" are you going to give birth to?

Simple Simplón.- And what else would it be if not a Monster? If I'm not going to give birth to the Christ Child, and I suddenly became pregnant, then I must surely be going to give birth to a Monster very soon, because that's why I feel these cramps in my belly.

Caralimpia.- Don't even think about doing it around here, Simple Simplón, or even mentioning it. Go give birth outside, where it's dark, where no one can see you.

Simple Simplón.- I'll go give birth and then come back. Or better yet, I won't go, you can help me here.

Caralimpia.- Not even for a moment, I haven't been trained in the art of childbirth.

Simple Simplón.- And you called yourself my friend.

Caralimpia.- To Hell I'll accompany you, if it's necessary, but nothing to do with giving birth. The idea of being smeared with miasmas and umbilical cords doesn't please me, and even less so if it comes from a fool. And look, look, something is moving inside your belly. Jesus, let's hope it doesn't come out... and suddenly the boy, the girl, the creature, the Monster... Comes out!

Simple Simplón.- It must be a Monster, and I'm very sure, as I've said... Ahhhh, ahhhh, what cramps I feel, and so many more, and I don't even know beforehand where the product will come out and what shape it will have.

Caralimpia.- Vade Retro, get away, lest it happen here. Go far away. Go to a dark place, far from people, far from everything, where no one will know.

Simple Simplón.- Well, I must go, if the birth pangs allow me. But no, don't think I'd like it so much for people to see me give birth. I wouldn't like it, nor would I dislike it, that is... Alright... alright, I'm leaving, don't look at me like that... With great pain I walk, with great pain I go step by step, like this, with this disfigurement of a woman in labor. These must be the syncope, or the palpitations, or the cramps, whatever they're called, that pregnant women get. Now I can understand why they scream so much! Oh, it's happening! My uterus is contracting, even though I don't have one! Oh, oh, oh, oh! Or maybe it's my intestine or my gut that's contracting! The product is coming out, the boy, the girl, the monster, whatever it is! I'm already in labor and I can't get near those trees, or that bench, or that fountain.

Caralimpia.- Hurry! Go behind that little fountain, back, vade retro, there you can have your son, daughter, monster, whatever it is, behind the fountain, and that way, once the baby is born, you can wash yourself and whatever comes out.

Simple Simplón.- I'm coming, I'm approaching the little fountain, I'm almost giving birth. And it almost happened in the middle of the plaza. And here I am behind this small barrier, which doesn't cover me completely, and the Monster is already coming out, it's being born, it's coming out and it's very big, it seems bigger than me. And yes, it's leaving now, look how it escapes! It didn't even say thank you, or even introduce itself, the wretch! But it doesn't matter, it has left me all skinny again. Despite that, I couldn't take it anymore, it was like I had eaten a whole cow! And if it hadn't come out, I don't know how I would have been able to sleep, because I couldn't even get comfortable on my side anymore.

Caralimpia.- You talk a lot, but you'd better take advantage of the water from that fountain to wash yourself, lest there be a lot of Monster's muck, because surely having given birth, you'll have left everything dripping and you must stink.

Simple Simplón.- Know that there was no liquid whatsoever, no secretion of any kind. The Monster came out as if it didn't have the patience to stay with me, it came out all at once and I didn't have to clean anything, nor do I need to wash or clean myself.

Caralimpia.- I don't want to know such details, as surely you'll give me explanations I don't want to hear, neither how it arose nor what it provoked, much less where it was born.

Simple Simplón.- Well, as for the exit or birth, I wasn't a participant or even a direct witness, I repeat, I only had the pains, birth pangs, contractions, and then nothing. In a moment of carelessness, everything escaped completely, and I didn't even have to push, nor did a mess occur, nor any miasma as I said. But I must tell you that I feel relieved. Now clean and unburdened, I want to chat with you about the birth.

Caralimpia.- Well, if you're clean and you're not going to stink here with me, you can come over. You've been "relieved," as they say in my town.

Simple Simplón.- And in mine too, where the young women also get relieved, and what I feel inclined to do is not see it around here, or feel it any less, because I'm no longer pregnant.

Caralimpia.- Well, you were indeed pregnant and with child, it's true. But look, here comes your son, "the Monster," whom you gave birth to very big. Look at him... Or rather, he has grown a lot already because he is taller than you, he's half a vara (old Spanish unit of measurement, roughly 83.5 cm) taller than you and rises above your head. It seems he needs food, or I don't know exactly what his intentions are, but it looks like he's hugging you.

Simple Simplón.- Indeed, I already feel like I love him. It must be the family resemblance. Indeed, he seems to stay very affectionately by my side. I don't know if he wants water or if he wants me to hold him close, as if he needs affection, or maybe he wants milk. But I don't think I have any milk, since I gave birth to him without anything growing on me. So, what could he need? Well, he's still here and the Monster isn't moving. And I don't know if I should go look for some food, maybe if I give him a crab?

Caralimpia.- And if he's cold, look, he's trying to snuggle into your shoulders, or maybe he wants to go back to your belly because with his bird's head he wants to open a hole, especially since what's starting to show on his face, isn't that a beak?

Simple Simplón.- Yes, it's a beak, like a duck's. And you see he's hitting me in the belly. I don't know, maybe he wants me to take him back in, but the thing is he doesn't fit anymore, because he's grown. I'd have to give him a name now, because calling him monster isn't right.

Caralimpia.- Look, he seems to have calmed down. Now I think you can consider not giving birth to any more monsters, because I've seen him grow a few centimeters more. And now a little more, look!

Simple Simplón.- I don't agree, he's still as tall as he got before, but he's stood up very straight. He poses as if someone were painting him, or as if he were going to be honored, very straight and very stiff. Look, look at the face of pride, of knowing I'm his father. That must be it, because he's starting to move his arms, you can see him.

Caralimpia.- I don't know if they're arms, but they do look like wings. I think you've given birth to a monster with a duck's beak and goose wings, although the legs look like a lizard's, or something scaly. And yes, that must be the lizard's tail he seemed to have hidden, but look how we can see it now, he's moving it and it's nice to know it's not always ready to lash out at us.

Simple Simplón.- And he is very proud, as I tell you, my son. He has taken his tail out of hiding so we can see it, and you can tell from his smile that I'm not wrong.

Caralimpia.- You notice a smile, but all I can see is a face with a duck's beak and those disturbed eyes.

Simple Simplón.- Yes, his smile shows in his eyes, in his gaze full of joy and pride. And I can distinguish three of them, he has three breasts. You wouldn't think he's a woman, or maybe his sex can't be known yet.

Caralimpia.- Yes, we need to wait to confirm, if more breasts grow or if his hips widen or his neck keeps growing. If I'm imagining it, or if his horse's neck has grown again...

We must think of a name for him. Don't say anything now, but perhaps it will be necessary for some fortune tellers to question him or give us an explanation of why you gave birth to him. But look, look who is peeking around by chance, it's the Great Fortune Teller himself! We can ask him.

Simple Simplón.- That seems good to me. Hey, friend Fortune Teller, tell us the cause of the Monster.

Fortune Teller.- Are you talking to me, Fool?

Simple Simplón.- And who else would be the fool, who else would I be talking to? For a fortune teller, you seem very out of this world.

Fortune Teller.- Well, I'm worried because I've received alarming news from the Fates.

Simple Simplón.- How so?

Fortune Teller.- The trap will carry us away.

Simple Simplón.- No, not the trap! I have many things to live for and I haven't eaten yet.

Fortune Teller.- And what about the offspring? I hope it's domesticated.

Simple Simplón.- He hasn't given any reason for boldness and is very proper, and he stands proudly and is happy that I am his father.

Fortune Teller.- His father, you say... Indeed, I find a distant resemblance... However, behind the pride of being with the one who fathered him, I perceive a gleam in his disturbed eyes since I arrived.

Simple Simplón.- Isn't it true that we look alike? I've found him discreet, and indeed his eyes shine with happiness, and he laughs just like me when I remember a good story.

Fortune Teller.- And tell me... How old is he? Does he know how to talk? Does he study? What school does he go to?

Simple Simplón.- Eh, well, you tell me, if you're a fortune teller...

Caralimpia.- I can tell you, Master Fortune Teller, if it's no trouble, I who have known him since the day he was born and have seen him grow, can say that his development will be nothing short of prodigious.

Simple Simplón.- It won't be that much, I hope for now he starts to talk. We'll look for a good school for him tomorrow, so he doesn't end up like me, simple Simplón. I'm worried if his first words will be 'my father', or 'aunt'? Which ones, I don't know, I'm in suspense.

Caralimpia.- But look, it seems we have somehow offended the fortune teller, who doesn't see us or speak to us and only rolls his eyes and looks like he's going to convulse.

Simple Simplón.- Mr. Fortune Teller, sir... Listen, pay attention, heed me.

Caralimpia.- He has gone into a trance.

Simple Simplón.- He must be in a trance.

Fortune Teller.- Ahhhh. Ayja ayja ayja ayjaaaa. This is what will come. This is what will happen. Ay Ayja ay jajaja.

Simple Simplón.- I don't know if he's happy or content.

Caralimpia.- You say the same thing. He's not happy, he's in the hands of the Pythia... Of the soothsayer, of the great fortune teller... She's going to tell us our fortune now.

Simple Simplón.- And we'll know if we're going to eat today.

Fortune Teller.- This is what manifests in the heavens, the Moirai, the three with their thread, their globe, and their scissors, will tell us the truth...

Simple Simplón.- Don't talk to me about scissors or globes... I don't want to know any more.

Caralimpia.- Fool, you'd better shut up.

Fortune Teller.- This is what will come: "When the Offspring manifests itself, the City and the entire World will be destroyed by the great Plague that will end everything."

Caralimpia.- Good heavens!

Simple Simplón.- And in the blink of an eye, the trap will carry us away... "When the offspring speaks." What offspring will that be?

Fortune Teller.- "When the Offspring manifests itself, the City and the entire World will be destroyed by the fire and flames of the great conflagration that will end everything."

Caralimpia.- Good heavens, first a plague and then a great fire!

Simple Simplón.- That is to say, we won't be able to go out into the street.

Caralimpia.- That's the point. Don't you see that's why the Fortune Teller went into a trance?

Simple Simplón.- To tell us not to go out into the street.

Caralimpia.- Well, that's implied.

Simple Simplón.- What do you say?

Caralimpia.- That it's unnecessary. That it's clear. If there's fire and before that a plague, then it's unnecessary to go out into the street. We'll have to stay at home.

Simple Simplón.- You don't say!

Caralimpia.- Well, it is so.

Simple Simplón.- But at least I can stay with my son, so I can educate him.

Caralimpia.- If he doesn't keep growing, because in the last moments I swear by Providence that I saw him rise a few more centimeters above your shoulders.

Simple Simplón.- It could be, it could be... However, I'm worried that my son will have to grow up with these threats of fire and famine.

Caralimpia.- Nobody mentioned famine.

Simple Simplón.- Well, there must be famine, because if it says plague, then we won't be able to go shopping, and what will we prepare for breakfast?

Caralimpia.- That's exactly what I was wondering... Exactly that, but look, the fortune teller seems to be returning from his exceptional state.

++++++++

Fortune Teller.- Well, well, it seems I got lost, distanced myself, and did I say too much?

Simple Simplón.- More than drunkards.

Fortune Teller.- And what did I mention, if you would tell me?

Simple Simplón.- Ah, well, you mentioned that perhaps the nations will find peace and there will be no more problems between the rulers.

Fortune Teller.- Did I say that?

Caralimpia.- Well, yes, indeed, Master Fortune Teller, you didn't mention any misfortunes or anything like that. Much less calamities originating from the birth of any offspring.

Fortune Teller.- I don't understand. Did I talk about some offspring?

Caralimpia.- Well, in truth, we were very pleased that you mentioned that the son of a Fool is a good omen for everyone.

Fortune Teller.- Did I say that? It can't be that much. If a fool were to father a child, it would certainly be cause for concern. If he were to give birth to a monster, that, my dear fellows, would be cause for destruction and death.

Caralimpia.- It won't be that much.

Simple Simplón.- It is so. I think we should get rid of the offspring.

Caralimpia.- But what are you saying, simpleton? Are you hearing what you yourself are uttering? You'd have to get rid of your own son.

Simple Simplón.- No, noooo, who said that? My son is not an offspring, he's affectionate, he's a pride. Just look at his beautiful eyes.

Caralimpia.- Offspring. He is an offspring because you fathered him.

Fortune Teller.- What are you saying? Is it true that the offspring present here is the son of this simpleton?

Caralimpia.- Everyone knows it.

Simple Simplón.- Except you.

Fortune Teller.- Well, we are in grave danger, in an exceptional situation. We will have to convene extraordinary sessions, create committees, establish lockdowns.

Simple Simplón.- It won't be that much, your illustrious one.

Caralimpia.- I agree, "your most illustrious," right? I don't think the son of a Fool is cause for such a scandal.

Fortune Teller.- From time immemorial, wars, plagues, famines have been caused by those who, against Faith and against Providence and good customs, have stained the Universe.

Simple Simplón.- There he goes again. I haven't stained anything, not even a little bit. Do you want me to openly express the details?

Caralimpia.- Shut up, Fool, don't you realize we're in trouble?

Simple Simplón.- We are?

Fortune Teller.- The entire Universe, the Cosmos disordered by the mistakes made by those who have transgressed the norms and have committed murders and have lived in aberrant, unnatural ways, in undeniable coexistence with demonic forces.

Caralimpia.- Well, well, well... I can testify in favor of the Fool that he has always been... a good person... I don't think anyone can bear the weight of such a great guilt as a plague or a war.

Simple Simplón.- That's true. Every day I get up and have breakfast and try to sleep well and not spit on my neighbor.

Fortune Teller.- I see clearly that you are not responsible for so much commotion, but what can we say about the Monster? Look at him, he has those disturbed eyes, that manifestly hostile gaze... and those, those... are those three breasts?

Simple Simplón.- That's right, for now we can't say if it's a boy or a girl.

Caralimpia.- You were mistaken in thinking that this marvelous being could be the cause of so much suffering.

Simple Simplón.- Thank you, he's my friend, Fortune Teller, he always speaks well of me, even though he calls me Fool.

Caralimpia.- He wasn't talking about you, but about the offspring.

Simple Simplón.- Don't call him that either, it's already clear he's a good person.

Fortune Teller.- A good person? You must be joking! Can't you see that his wings and horse's neck and duck's beak are nothing but evidence of bad omens?

Simple Simplón.- He is an extraordinary being, he is very affectionate, and he is also very proud of his daddy. Look, look how cuddly he is, he's tender and affectionate, and he seems to like pecking my belly.

Fortune Teller.- I see that, I see that. Perhaps he is a kind being and I am exaggerating.

Simple Simplón.- I believe so.

Fortune Teller.- Well, if that's the case, I'm leaving. I have nothing more to do than go to a session of congressmen of soothsayers and pythonesses where we must promptly resolve the world's problems.

Simple Simplón.- Go with luck, and even more so, with good luck!

Fortune Teller.- That seems good to me. Very good indeed. I congratulate you then on the birth of your son and give you my best wishes. Gentlemen, I bid you farewell.

Simple Simplón.- My respects, Gentleman.

Caralimpia.- Goodbye, Master Fortune Teller. Go in good time.

The Monster.- Hey Dad, I'm thirsty. Couldn't you and my other dad give me some water? I'm dehydrated.

Caralimpia.- It had to be said, and it was said.

Simple Simplón.- Me and your other dad? And with that, tell me, who do I become?

The Monster.- My mommy?

Simple Simplón.- I think my son is still confused. Will you accompany me to get water, because he's thirsty, as he said.

Caralimpia.- What else can I do but accompany you?

Simple Simplón.- That is appreciated, and many other things too.

Caralimpia.- We'll have to find a name for him.

Simple Simplón.- I agree. We must find a name for him.

Caralimpia.- Yes, by Ventura (Good Fortune).

Simple Simplón.- You see, my son, you already have a name, you will be called Buenaventura (Good Fortune).

Monster.- That's great, but did you hear that I'm thirsty?

Caralimpia.- We're going, we're going for something to drink.

Simple Simplón.- By my life, these generations, these generations!

Monster.- Thank you, Mommy, and thank you too, Daddy.

Caralimpia.- We are both your daddies.

Monster.- That's good to know, that's good to know. Thank you. Thank you very much.

END

Interpretation

This "entremés" by Benjamín Gavarre is a humorous and absurd short play that likely offers a satirical look at societal anxieties and perhaps even the patriarchal structures of the 16th-century colonial period. Here are some key interpretations:

 * The Absurdity of Male Pregnancy: The central premise of a man, Simple Simplón, becoming pregnant is inherently comedic and defies natural order. This absurdity is the driving force of the play's humor. It can be seen as a way to playfully challenge or subvert traditional notions of gender and reproduction.

 * The Monster as an Allegory: The "Monster" born to Simple Simplón is described with a bizarre combination of features: duck beak, goose wings, lizard legs, and even three breasts. This fantastical creature could be interpreted as an allegory for the unknown, the feared, or anything that deviates from the norm. The reactions of Caralimpia and the Adivino highlight societal fear and the tendency to label and condemn what is different.

 * Social Commentary and Superstition: The character of the Adivino and his dramatic pronouncements about the monster bringing plague and fire likely satirize the superstitions and anxieties prevalent in society at the time. His pronouncements are exaggerated and ultimately proven wrong within the context of the play. This could be a commentary on the power of fear and the ease with which people can be swayed by ominous predictions.

 * Friendship and Acceptance: Despite his initial disgust and fear, Caralimpia ultimately stays with Simple Simplón and even agrees to be a co-parent to the Monster. This suggests a theme of friendship and acceptance, even in the face of the bizarre.

 * The Nature of Parenthood: Simple Simplón's immediate love and pride for his unusual offspring, despite its monstrous appearance, is a heartwarming and humorous take on parental affection. His concern for its well-being and education, even in the face of potential apocalyptic events, highlights the fundamental nature of parental care.

 * Subversion of Gender Roles: The play playfully blurs traditional gender roles. Simple Simplón takes on the role of the pregnant parent, while the ambiguity of the Monster's sex is also a recurring point. The ending, where the Monster refers to both Simple Simplón and Caralimpia as "parents," further subverts conventional notions of family.

 * Humor through Language and Situation: The play relies heavily on comedic dialogue and absurd situations. The back-and-forth between Simple Simplón and Caralimpia, filled with misunderstandings and exaggerated reactions, creates much of the humor.

Connecting to your Search History:

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In conclusion, "Entremés del Bobo Embarazado" is a funny and imaginative play that uses absurdity and fantastical elements to entertain while possibly offering subtle commentary on societal norms, fears, and the enduring bonds of friendship and parental love.