Eloise: Prologue and Act One Plot Summary
Eloise: Plot Summary
Eloise is divided into 3 distinct parts:
The Prologue
The prologue provides an introduction to the work, the characters’ personalities, and the differences between the humble people and the “Messrs.” (rich people). The scene opens in a movie theater, where people are waiting for the session to start. Conversations are interspersed with various people, all with well-marked comicality. Amidst the excitement, Mariana feels wonder and surprise to find such a stunning woman in a place like that, highlighting the differences between the two environments discussed earlier.
We now describe what happened: Mariana and her boyfriend Fernando had agreed to go to a concert as an excuse to escape and go to Fernando’s farm. But at the last moment, Fernando began to behave in a way that Mariana could not stand – he seemed entirely ordinary, lacking any mystery. At that moment, very suddenly, Mariana escaped from the concert with her aunt and went to the local cinema where they currently are. She was explaining to her aunt what happened when Fernando and Ezekiel arrived. Mariana’s character changes again upon learning that Fernando is once more the man she likes. They begin to talk: Clotilde and Ezekiel on one hand, and the two lovebirds on the other. The first pair starts to argue, as Ezekiel says that Clotilde had said something about going to the opera, which Clotilde denies. Moreover, Fernando once again becomes the cold and serious man whom Mariana dislikes. Therefore, she escapes again, taking her aunt back, but not without Fernando pursuing them in his car. In turn, Clotilde’s uncle receives a note from Clotilde to arrive later and keeps watching the movie until the scheduled time, but not before giving a mysterious bottle to his nephew.
The First Act
The first act begins around the problem raised by Edgardo. Fermin appears, issuing warnings and teaching the standards of Leoncio’s madhouse where he works, and preparing to interview the mysterious gentleman who would be his servant. Edgardo is a former lover of Clotilde who went mad from lovesickness and decided, on the day of his disappointment, never to lie down again and rise no more. He has not broken this promise since that day. Therefore, he demands much from his servants due to the oddities of his actions. Edgardo has a very unique way of traveling without leaving his bed: his servant Fermin must put on slides and ring a bell when they arrive at each location. Thus, Fermin must learn timetables and rail routes.
Micaela then appears with the story that that night is not appropriate for touring because it attracts thieves, accompanied by her two dogs (Cain and Abel). Later comes Praxedes, Micaela’s maid, who, like Fermin, has become half-mad from dealing with the people in this house and is dedicated to talking to herself. At this point, Mariana and Clotilde arrive and talk among themselves and with Micaela. When Mariana is alone, she is convinced by Fernando and agrees to go to his farm that night. But at the last moment, she refuses, and he is forced to use his mysterious vial, chloroform, and take her to that place.
Meanwhile, Clotilde, Micaela, Ezekiel, and other servants and characters of the house had appeared. Micaela’s dogs have attacked Ezekiel, believing he was a thief, causing him many injuries and damaging his suit. While tending to Ezekiel’s wounds, Clotilde discovers a notebook listing names and data about women and their deaths. This suggests to Clotilde that Ezekiel is murdering women on his farm.
Edgardo rose from his bed, having a strong feeling that Mariana was lost because she was being kidnapped at that time. They all leave for the estate of Ojeda.