A Meal and a Bath

In the dark of a disappearing forest a young boy lays dying of what is considered to be the plaque of the 20th century

. The empirical tabernacle of Doctors Robert Campbell and Rae Crane can cure a sub-clavicular node, which is cancerous. However, the original serum is nearly expended and the new samples do not replicate the desired effect. Dr. Robert Campbell (the Medicine Man) who for six years has been working in the disappearing rain forests of South America has requested help from Ashton (a pharmaceutical Company). He has specifically requested for "one of three men" and Ashton has sent Dr. Rae Crane, a woman.

The battle of the sexes begins between Campbell and Crane the moment they meet. One of the Indians in his broken English says laughingly to Campbell "I told you, they sent a girl". Campbell disgustingly retorts "they sent a girl?" Crane fights back "I'm not a girl; I'm your research assistant!" Campbell- "the hell you are, and where is your mask?" Crane "don't worry about it Tonto this is as close as we get". Campbell "not for me you hussy, for you! Don't you know that a common cold can decimate an entire village?"

The following morning Campbell is trying to encourage Crane to leave on the next boat. She declares that she is not there to make any deals and wants "a meal and a bath". The jousting continues, Campbell questioning Crane's credentials which turn out to be substantial winning the Thurman Award twice, and being the only researcher to do so. Campbell, without acknowledging her credentials, apologizes for helping to carry her luggage when in fact "women like to carry their own now", and asks a patronizing question about carrying a manual for her boots. When Campbell is unable to refute Crane's credentials, which are considerable, he disarms her by criticizing her experience as a field researcher. All in an effort to get one of three men he originally asked for.

Campbell soon realizes that Crane has been sent to evaluate his work. She is in fact his "judge and jury". Campbell now has to convince Crane of the validity of his discovery. He also must convince her of staying to help him with the field research work necessary to solve the mystery of the missing molecule. Very little of the original serum remains, and all attempts to recreate the original formula does not produce the desired effect.

There are no doors to be opened, but nevertheless there is plenty of symbolism reinforcing the idea of female dependency and delicacy while asserting men's paternalism and control. Clearly Crane fights against all patterns of inequality and does so successfully. At first Campbell seeks control over Crane. Soon he realizes she is his supervisor. He cleverly manipulates Crane into a position of equal stature, two scientists in search of the cure for cancer.

The stereotype that women talk too much surfaces, as Crane is clearly more verbal than Campbell is but seldom do they interrupt each other. Campbell, when he wishes, controls or dominates the conversation. Crane asserts her self as his equal in many instances.

The story ends with a fire that destroys the village, but they jointly discover the missing piece to their puzzle with the serum. Crane assures Campbell full support from Ashton, including his first choice for an assistant. Campbell declares his first choice is now his second choice. Dr. Rae Crane becomes his first choice. She wants dual publication. Campbell says, "You can have anything you want". Crane asks, "What do you want?" Campbell replies "a meal and a bath".

A Meal and a Bath

By: Ray Duarte

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