SHELAGH STEPHENSON: An Experiment with an Air Pump

Discuss Stephenson's dramatic presentation of the relationship between Isobel and

Armstrong and its significance for the play as whole.
In Shelagh Stephenson’s play An Experiment with an Air Pump, the relationship between
Isobel and Armstrong serves as a pivotal element that reflects and amplifies the play’s central
themes, contributes to the plot development, and enriches the characterisation. This
relationship is intricately woven into the fabric of the play, highlighting moral and ethical
dilemmas, personal and professional conflicts, and the interplay between science and
humanity.
Para 1: Significance of their relationship to Plot Development
Thomas Armstrong is a brilliant but unfeeling young scientist Fenwick has taken on at Dr
Farleigh’s request. Fenwick, who thinks that “good science” should be informed by good
morals, dislikes Armstrong for his detached, ruthless pursuit of scientific progress. Much
like Kate’s character in the 1999 plot, Armstrong places his passion for discovery and
scientific progress above all else. Unlike Roget, who is uncomfortable with the common
practice of stealing bodies from gravesites to use in anatomy demonstrations, Armstrong
believes that “romantic” people like Roget make poor scientists because they let their moral
qualms hold them back. Armstrong’s amorality isn’t limited to scientific inquiry. He’s also
highly amoral in his pursuit of personal pleasure: Armstrong relentlessly pursues Isobel,
wooing her with false declarations of love and desire and with gifts, including the golden locket
that Tom discovers 200 years later with Isobel’s remains. Though initially skeptical, Isobel
ultimately develops feelings for Armstrong and is devastated when she overhears Armstrong
callously admit that he doesn’t love Isobel and only wants to manipulate her into removing
her clothing so that he can see her naked, twisted spine, which arouses him. After Isobel
hangs herself upon learning Armstrong’s true intentions, Armstrong not only covertly
suffocates her in order to speed up the dying process, but he immediately sets his sights on
stealing and dissecting Isobel’s fresh corpse, an act he seemingly carries out, as evidenced
by the fact that Isobel’s remains, which Tom finds 200 later, are missing their vertebrae. An
Experiment with an Air Pump oscillates between two time periods: 1799 and 1999,
juxtaposing the lives and moral dilemmas of characters from different eras. Isobel and
Armstrong’s relationship is set in the 1799 storyline. Armstrong is a charismatic and ambitious
scientist, while Isobel, of a lower class, is intelligent and perceptive, grappling with the ethical
implications of his experiments.
Isobel Bridie is the Fenwick family’s domestic servant. She’s an outsider in more than one
way. First, she’s from Scotland, while the main characters are English. Second, though she’s
intelligent and literate, she’s of a lower-class status and lacks a formal education, which
causes many of the play’s characters to underestimate and disrespect her, as
when Harriet forces Isobel to play the humiliating role of a sheep in a play she has written.
Isobel is interested in language and uses it to understand the world—something that she
and Roget have in common. Isobel has a physical disability that makes her spine appear
twisted. This causes her to be a source of scientific curiosity for Armstrong, who also finds
Isobel’s twisted spine sexually arousing. Armstrong therefore resolves to woo Isobel,
flattering her and giving her gifts in the hopes that she will agree to have sex with him. Though
Isobel is initially skeptical of Armstrong’s seduction, she ultimately falls in love with him and
is devastated when she hears him admit to Roget that his affection for her has been a ruse
and that he sees her as an object of pity and morbid curiosity rather than as a lover. Isobel
responds by hanging herself, and Armstrong covertly speeds up the process of death by
suffocating her when he’s briefly alone with her dying body. Adding further insult to injury, he
immediately sets his sights on coveting and dissecting her fresh corpse and succeeds in
doing so. Centuries later, in 1999, Tom finds Isobel’s remains—her skeleton curiously void of
its vertebrae—hidden inside the house in which she died.
Their relationship adds tension and depth to the plot. The relationship between Isobel and
Armstrong is crucial for plot development, intertwining personal tragedy with scientific
ambition. Armstrong, a young, ambitious scientist, embodies a cold, ruthless approach to
scientific inquiry, while Isobel, a perceptive but socially marginalized servant, grapples with
the moral implications of his work. Fenwick, who champions the idea that good science must
be morally informed, contrasts sharply with Armstrong’s amoral stance. Armstrong's pursuit
of Isobel, driven by both scientific curiosity and personal pleasure, ultimately leads to her
tragic demise.
Isobel’s suicide and Armstrong's subsequent actions—hastening her death and then
dissecting her corpse—are pivotal events that shape the narrative. These acts not only
highlight Armstrong's moral depravity but also resonate across the centuries, linking the 1799
and 1999 storylines. Tom's discovery of Isobel’s remains in 1999, particularly the missing
vertebrae, serves as a macabre reminder of Armstrong's actions and their long-lasting impact.
This discovery not only propels the modern plot but also invites reflection on the ethical
dimensions of scientific progress.
Para 2: Significance of their relationship to Thematic Development
Science vs. Ethics:
The relationship between Isobel and Armstrong epitomizes the tension between scientific
curiosity and ethical responsibility. Armstrong's willingness to sacrifice moral considerations
for the sake of scientific discovery is starkly contrasted with Isobel’s humanistic perspective.
This dichotomy is central to the play, prompting audiences to question the ethical boundaries
of scientific research.
Gender Roles, Class and Feminism:
Isobel’s lower-class status and her role as a domestic servant highlight the intersection of
class and gender dynamics. Her intellectual curiosity and literacy are overshadowed by her
social position, illustrating the barriers faced by women in a patriarchal society. Armstrong's
manipulation of Isobel underscores the exploitation of women and the marginalized, raising
questions about gender inequality and the abuse of power.
Moral Ambiguity:
Armstrong's character is a study in moral ambiguity. His scientific brilliance is tainted by his
unethical behavior, challenging the notion that intellectual advancement is inherently noble.
Isobel’s tragic fate underscores the human cost of scientific progress, prompting a nuanced
exploration of morality and ambition.
Para 3: Significance of their relationship to Language and Style
The play’s language and style reflect the period-specific nuances of the 1799 setting while
also connecting to contemporary issues. The eloquence and formality of the 18th-century
dialogue contrast with the blunt, modern speech of the 1999 characters, creating a bridge
between past and present. This stylistic choice emphasises the timeless nature of the play’s
themes.
Tone and Mood:
The tone of the play oscillates between dark, introspective moments and lighter, more hopeful
interludes. The relationship between Isobel and Armstrong contributes to a mood of tension
and foreboding, with Isobel’s tragic end casting a shadow over the narrative. This mood
enhances the audience's engagement with the play’s moral and ethical questions.
Symbolism:
Isobel’s twisted spine serves as a powerful symbol of both her physical condition and the
moral corruption embodied by Armstrong. Her skeleton, discovered centuries later,
symbolises the enduring impact of ethical violations and the persistent relevance of the play’s
themes.
Para 4: Significance of their relationship to Character Development
Isobel:
Isobel Bridie is a richly drawn character whose intelligence and sensitivity stand in stark
contrast to her social position. Her relationship with Armstrong reveals her vulnerability and
her desire for genuine connection. Her tragic end and the subsequent discovery of her
remains serve as a poignant commentary on the exploitation of the marginalised.
Armstrong:
Thomas Armstrong is portrayed as a brilliant yet morally bankrupt scientist. His cold
detachment and ambition highlight the dangers of placing scientific progress above ethical
considerations. His treatment of Isobel exposes his manipulative and callous nature, making
him a compelling antagonist.
Other Characters:
The relationship between Isobel and Armstrong also impacts other characters. Fenwick’s
moral stance is heightened by his disapproval of Armstrong, while Roget’s discomfort with
unethical practices underscores the play’s central ethical dilemmas. The modern characters
in the 1999 timeline, particularly Tom, are drawn into the historical narrative through the
discovery of Isobel’s remains, linking past and present.
Conclusion: 21st Century Spectators' Understanding
For contemporary audiences, the relationship between Isobel and Armstrong offers a
powerful lens through which to examine enduring questions about the ethics of scientific
inquiry, the exploitation of marginalised individuals, and the intersections of gender and class.
By juxtaposing the historical narrative with modern sensibilities, Stephenson invites viewers
to reflect on the progress made and the challenges that persist in the realms of science,
ethics, and social justice. This relationship, and its dramatic consequences, serves as a stark
reminder of the human element that must never be overlooked in the pursuit of knowledge.