31 Plays in 31 Days, #12 - “Not Canonized”

Another exchange between Justin and Nathaniel in letters that will punctuate the events of the story. The relationship between the brothers has always been one I’ve found interesting, given the push-pull of affection and antagonism. I really enjoy writing the tension of that between them, which is one of the reasons I wanted a letter exchange between the two of them to act as a framing device when I finally told one of Justin’s adventures. Also by the time of this communication, 1889, they are both a bit older, thirty-four and thirty-seven, and have evolved since their last major interaction in Mrs. Hawking part III: Base Instruments in June 1883. I want to maintain the fundamental way they are with each other while tempering it with those intervening experiences. Nathaniel in particular has been through a lot in those six years and has changed in a lot of ways.

This takes place at some point following #10 - “On Your Terms” and #11 - “Need Someone” . So this scene is in response to Nathaniel hearing about those events, and specifically attempts to factor in the evolution of the characters and their relationship.

Nathaniel’s Kipling reference is over a decade too early. I will eventually cut it.


Photo by John Benfield

( Day #12 - Not Canonized )